This document summarizes universal suffrage and voting demographics in the United States. It outlines that all U.S. citizens 18 and older have the right to vote in all political elections. It then analyzes voting patterns by gender, age, education level, and race/ethnicity in the 2012 election, showing differences in support between Democratic and Republican candidates among various groups. Finally, it lists several constitutional amendments that have expanded voting rights over time to include more groups.

1. VOTING RIGHTS AND
BEHAVIOR
Universal Suffrage and How Americans Vote

2. Universal Suffrage
• Everyone in the United States who is at least 18 years old
has the right to vote
• Applies to all political elections.

3. 2012 Election Demographics
• Women – 55% Democrat, 44% Republican
• Men – 45% Democrat, 52% Republican
• Ages 18-29 – 60% Democrat, 37% Republican
• Ages 65 and over – 44% Democrat, 56% Republican

4. Demographics Cont.
• Education
• Some HS – 64% Democrat, 35% Republican
• HS Graduate – 51% Democrat, 48% Republican
• Some College – 49% Democrat, 48% Republican
• College Graduate – 47% Democrat, 51% Republican
• Post Graduate Degrees – 55% Democrat, 42%
Republican

5. Demographics Continued
• Race/Ethnicity
• Caucasian – 39% Democrat, 59% Republican
• African American – 93% Democrat, 6% Republican
• Hispanic – 71% Democrat, 27% Republican
• Asian – 73% Democrat, 26% Republican

6. Amendments
• 12 (1804) – Officially set up the Electoral College
• 15 (1870) – All men over the age of 21 now available to
vote regardless of race
• 17 (1913) – Direct election of senators

7. Amendments Cont.
• 19 (1920) – Gave women the right to vote
• 24 (1964) – Eliminated the poll tax
• 26 (1971) – Changed voting age from 21 to 18