At One Nation Every Vote (OneV), we are committed to telling the stories that have helped expand access to the ballot and shape American democracy. In our countdown of OneV’s Top 20 Moments in American Voting History, we spotlight the pivotal moments that helped protect and strengthen the right to vote for all.
This week, we highlight Moment #8: Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966)—a Supreme Court decision that struck down the use of poll taxes in state elections, affirming that wealth should never determine one’s right to vote.
What Led to Harper v. Virginia?
In the early and mid-20th century, several states—particularly in the South—used poll taxes as a tool to suppress voter turnout among low-income Americans, especially Black voters. Though the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1964, had outlawed poll taxes in federal elections, many states continued to require them in state and local elections.
These fees, which might seem small on paper, were significant obstacles for people living in poverty. The practice effectively created a wealth barrier to political participation—undermining the principle of equal access to the ballot.
Annie E. Harper, a resident of Virginia who was unable to pay the state’s poll tax, challenged the law with support from civil rights advocates. Her case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966.
What Did the Court Decide?
In Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that state poll taxes were unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Writing for the majority, Justice William O. Douglas stated that a voter’s ability to pay a fee had no relation to their qualifications to vote and that wealth or the lack of it should not be a barrier to participation in the democratic process.
This decision extended the protections of the 24th Amendment to all elections—not just federal—and signaled a powerful stance against discriminatory barriers that targeted economically marginalized communities.
What Happened After the Decision?
The ruling in Harper had an immediate and lasting impact. States that had continued to enforce poll taxes in local and state elections were forced to eliminate the practice, removing a longstanding obstacle to the ballot box.
More broadly, Harper laid the groundwork for later challenges to laws and practices that disproportionately affected low-income and minority voters. It established an important precedent: when it comes to voting, equal access is not just a principle—it’s a constitutional guarantee.
Why Was This Change Important?
Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections was a landmark decision because it recognized that democracy cannot function fairly when basic rights are conditioned on an individual’s economic status. The case reinforced the idea that voting is not a privilege to be purchased—it is a right to be protected.
By eliminating the poll tax at every level of government, Harper advanced the fight for equal voting rights and closed one of the final loopholes states were using to suppress the vote. It was a critical victory in the broader civil rights movement and a reminder of how legal challenges can dismantle structural barriers to participation.
Stay Tuned for Moment #7
As we count down the most transformative moments in American voting history, we’re getting closer to the top. Join us next week as we reveal Moment #7—another powerful moment in the expansion of the right to vote.
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At One Nation Every Vote (OneV), we share nonpartisan stories that help educate Americans about voting rights, democracy, and civic participation. We believe in empowering citizens through knowledge and building a democracy that works for everyone.
If you want to learn more about voting history and how to increase voter turnout across all levels of government, support our mission. Donate to OneV today.
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