LAWS
New Jersey's three state constitutions show how ideas about who was 'responsible' enough to be a voter changed over time.
1776
The 1776 State Constitution of New Jersey gave the right to vote to all inhabitants of full age who met property and residence requirements. Owning property was seen as an indicator that a person was independent and responsible. Women and Blacks could vote if they owned property.
"All Inhabitants of this Colony of full Age, who are worth Fifty Pounds proclamation Money clear Estate in the same, & have resided within the County in which they claim a Vote for twelve Months immediately preceding the Election, shall be entitled to vote."
New Jersey Constitution, Article IV (1776)
Department of State, New Jersey
1844
The 1844 State Constitution of New Jersey removed the property requirement but restricted the right to vote to white men over the age of 21. People outside this group were seen as incapable of making independent decisions.
"Every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resident of this State one year, and of the county, in which he claims his vote five months, next before the election, shall be entitled to vote."
New Jersey Constitution, Article II (1884)
Department of State, New Jersey
1947
The 1947 State Constitution of New Jersey removed gender and racial barriers, but kept the age requirement. An amendment in 1974 lowered the voting age to 18. Supporters argued that young people showed their maturity by making important contributions to the country.
"Every citizen of the United States, of the age of 21 years, who shall have been a resident of this State one year, and of the county in which he claims his vote 5 months, next before the election, shall be entitled to vote."
New Jersey Constitution, Article II (1947)
Department of State, New Jersey