Speech #810103511

We must not overlook the fact that the right to vote is the basic right of one who is a citizen in a democracy. This right in our own Nation is guaranteed by constitutional provision. The fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides: All persons born or naturalized in the United States. and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or Immunities of citizens of the United States: nor shall any State deprive any person of life. liberty. or property without due process of law. nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. And. to further emphasize the care. that has been taken to preserve the fundamental right of a citizen to vote. may I direct your attention to article 15. section 1. of the Constitution. reading as follows: 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.