JFK URGES GOVERNORS TO SUPPORT 24TH AMENDMENT
Washington, D.C.(JFK+50) On March 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent a telegram to the governors of states which had not yet ratified the proposed 24th amendment* to the Constitution of the United States which prohibits the collection of poll taxes**.
JFK emphasized the importance of ratification of the amendment to insure a fair election in 1964.
The President said...
"Every effort should be made to broaden the base of citizen participation."
*24th Amendment, ratified January 23, 1964, prohibits Congress and the States from conditioning the right to vote in federal elections on payment of a poll tax.
**Poll taxes were levied on every adult without reference to income or resources. They effectively restricted voting among the poor. Some states, including a majority of Southern states, required poll taxes until 1965.
Washington, D.C.(JFK+50) On March 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent a telegram to the governors of states which had not yet ratified the proposed 24th amendment* to the Constitution of the United States which prohibits the collection of poll taxes**.
JFK emphasized the importance of ratification of the amendment to insure a fair election in 1964.
The President said...
"Every effort should be made to broaden the base of citizen participation."
*24th Amendment, ratified January 23, 1964, prohibits Congress and the States from conditioning the right to vote in federal elections on payment of a poll tax.
**Poll taxes were levied on every adult without reference to income or resources. They effectively restricted voting among the poor. Some states, including a majority of Southern states, required poll taxes until 1965.
