1837: The Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women in New York City meets on May 9 and discusses universal suffrage.

1848: The Seneca Falls Convention—known as the first major women’s rights meeting—is held in New York state.

1868: The 14th Amendment gives all males born or naturalized in the United States equal rights (although many groups still did not have access to voting).

1870: Black men’s right to vote is guaranteed with the ratification of the 15th Amendment.

1893: Coloradans give women access to voting booths.

1920: The 19th Amendment is ratified on August 18 (only 36 states are required to ratify an amendment; Tennessee was the 36th).

Photo courtesy of Everett Collection Historical/Alamy Stock Photo

1924: The Indian Citizenship Act grants Native Americans citizenship.

1943: The Magnuson Act allows Chinese immigrants to become citizens and vote.

1965: The Voting Rights Acts of 1965 helps remove racist Jim Crow laws that prevented people of color from voting or registering to vote.

1971: The voting age drops to 18 (from 21) with the 26th Amendment.

2013: Colorado shifts to mail-in ballots.

2019: Colorado legislators pass a bill allowing parolees to vote.

2020: Seventeen-year-olds can vote in Colorado primaries if they will turn 18 before the general election.

Jessica LaRusso
Jessica LaRusso
Jessica LaRusso is 5280's editor-in-chief.
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.
Patricia Kaowthumrong
Patricia Kaowthumrong
Patricia is 5280’s former food editor. Follow her food reporting adventures on Instagram @whatispattyeating.