When did all men get the right to vote?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• After the Civil War
• During Reconstruction
• optional: (With the) 15th Amendment
• 1870

Our explanation

Reconstruction was the time of rebuilding after the Civil War. During this time, in 1870, the 15th Amendment said a male citizen of any race can vote.

Remember it

Men first: 15th Amendment (1870). Women later: 19th Amendment (1920).

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 35: “a male citizen of any race (can vote).” Voting Rights Timeline: “15th Amendment (1870)”; M-1778 (09/25) 128 Civics Questions and Answers, Q98: “After the Civil War / During Reconstruction”.

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

• 102When did all women get the right to vote?
• 63There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.