July 2, in 1776, New Jersey granted the right to vote to all inhabitants over 21 and possessed of property worth at least 50 pounds
On this day July 2, in 1776, New Jersey granted the right to vote to all inhabitants over 21 and possessed of property worth at least 50 pounds (about $86 dollars).
“That all inhabitants of this Colony, of full age, who are worth fifty pounds proclamation money, clear estate in the same, and have resided within the county in which they claim a vote for twelve months immediately preceding the election, shall be entitled to vote for Representatives in Council and Assembly; and also for all other public officers, that shall be elected by the people of the county at large.”
This included women and free blacks. However, universal suffrage did not last. By 1807 the women and free blacks of New Jersey lose their right to vote. The repeal was sponsored by a politician who was nearly defeated 20 years earlier when his opponent rallied the women to vote.
