The electors In each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. The States have the complete authority to fix the qualifications for voting except as prohibited by the 15th amendment and the 19th amendment to the Constitution. which prohibits discrimination based on race and sex. respectively. and the 24th amendment. which prohibits the imposition of a poll tax as a condition for voting in Federal elections. The Supreme Court of the United States has held in a long line of cases that the States have the power to impose a literacy test as a condition for registration or voting. One of the most notable recent cases on this point is Lassiter v. Northampton Election Board of Elections. 360 U.S. 45. Mr. Justice Douglas. speaking for a unanimous Court. held that the North Carolina literacy test was constitutional. In upholding the validity of the North Carolina literacy test. the Supreme Court discussed with profound clarity and insight some of the considerations which would prompt a State to adopt a literacy test as a prerequisite to voting. The Court stated: Residence requirements. age. previous criminal record (Davis v. Beason. 133 U.S. 333. 345347) are obvious example ndicating factors which a State may take Into consideration In determining the qualifications of voters.
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literacy test