Smith v. Allwright, 321 U.S. 649 (1944)

"The great privilege of the ballot may not be denied a man by the State because of his color."

Texas, 1940. "Be it resolved that all white citizens who are qualified to vote shall be eligible to membership in the Democratic party." When Lonnie Smith, a black citizen, tries to vote in the Democratic Primary, he is denied a ballot.

Four years later, the Supreme Court hands him that ballot. "The right to vote in a primary for the nomination of candidates without discrimination by the State, like the right to vote in a general election, is a right secured by the Constitution." Writes Justice Reed: "By the terms of the Fifteenth Amendment, the great privilege of the ballot may not be denied a man by the State because of his color. Texas is free to conduct her elections as she may deem wise, save only as her action may be affected by the prohibitions of the United States Constitution."

For more...

What was the White Primary? Africana.com

Smith, Lonnie E. Handbook of Texas Online

AMENDMENT 15 The Right to Vote Shall Not Be Denied

Passed by Congress February 26, 1869. Ratified February 3, 1870.

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. [^].

Your Constitutional Rights. A WEB & RADIO project of:
ACLU Montana | HearingVoices.