At One Nation Every Vote (OneV), we believe that every story about the fight for voting rights is a lesson in the power of democracy. We’re counting down OneV’s Top 20 Moments in American Voting History—moments that expanded and protected the right to vote in the United States. This week, we highlight Moment #4: The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, a landmark law that granted U.S. citizenship—and theoretically, voting rights—to Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the country.
Before the Act: Citizenship Denied
For decades after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Native Americans were denied full citizenship and, by extension, the right to vote. Even those who had served in the U.S. military or assimilated into American society were not guaranteed citizenship. The Dawes Act of 1887 allowed Native Americans to apply for citizenship if they agreed to disband tribal affiliations and accept individual land allotments, but this process was coercive and fractured Native communities.
In World War I, thousands of Native Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces—even though they were not recognized as citizens. Their service prompted a national reckoning: how could a country demand patriotism and sacrifice without granting the basic rights of citizenship in return?
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
In response to growing pressure from Native leaders, veterans, and allies, Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act on June 2, 1924. Signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge, the act declared: “All non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States shall be deemed to be citizens of the United States.”
The law granted citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans—about one-third of the total Native population at the time—who had not yet obtained it through other means.
After the Act: The Fight Wasn’t Over
Although the Indian Citizenship Act was a critical milestone, it did not automatically grant Native Americans the right to vote. Voting laws were still controlled by individual states, many of which imposed discriminatory barriers to prevent Native participation.
Some states argued that Native Americans living on reservations were not residents and therefore ineligible to vote. Others imposed literacy tests, poll taxes, or simply refused to register Native voters. It wasn’t until 1948 that New Mexico and Arizona overturned laws that explicitly blocked Native Americans from voting. And even then, barriers persisted.
To this day, Native American communities continue to face challenges when it comes to voting access—such as lack of polling places, strict voter ID laws, and limited mail service.
Why This Moment Matters
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 was a turning point. It officially recognized Native Americans as full citizens of the United States. It acknowledged their rightful place in the American democratic system and laid the foundation for the long, ongoing struggle for full voting rights.
This moment reminds us that the expansion of democracy has never been automatic. It has required activism, sacrifice, and the persistent belief that every voice should count.
Coming Up Next Week…
Stay tuned for Moment #3 in OneV’s Top 20 Moments in American Voting History. We’re almost at the top—and the most powerful milestones are still to come.
Join the Movement
If you believe in the power of voting, if you want to learn more about the history of voting rights in America, and if you’re committed to increasing voter turnout in elections at all levels of government—support One Nation Every Vote (OneV).
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Together, we can ensure that every vote—and every voter—counts.
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