Amendments

Amendment XV

Constitution of the United States

Official text

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude--

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Passed by Congress February 26, 1869. Ratified February 3, 1870.

Source: National Archives (archives.gov) transcription

In plain English

Neither the federal government nor any state may deny or abridge a citizen's right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Congress may enforce this by appropriate legislation. Ratified in 1870.

Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.

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