Among the fundamental rights guaranteed to adult U.S. citizens is the right to vote. Like other fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy and the right to travel, the government is prohibited from restricting the right to vote, unless there is a compelling government interest and such a restriction would be necessary to achieve that interest. This standard is called the strict scrutiny standard, and it is an important standard as it relates to your fundamental rights.
In this article, we’ll discuss certain restrictions that have been placed on the fundamental right to vote, and whether those restrictions are constitutional or unconstitutional. We’ll also discuss the principle of “one person, one vote”, and what this means at each level of government. Finally, on the "flip-side" of things, we’ll look at what it takes to run for office, for all of you future office seekers out there.
First, let’s take a look at restrictions on the right to vote.