Legal Definitions - suffrage

Suffrage refers to the fundamental right or privilege of an individual to cast a vote in a public election. It encompasses both the entitlement to participate in the electoral process and, in a broader sense, the act of voting itself.

• Example 1: In the early 20th century, the women's suffrage movement successfully campaigned for women across many countries to gain the right to vote in national elections.

  Explanation: This demonstrates suffrage as a fundamental right that was historically denied to a significant portion of the population and subsequently achieved through legal and social reform, highlighting the expansion of voting rights.

• Example 2: Before every general election, government agencies launch campaigns encouraging eligible citizens to register to vote, thereby exercising their suffrage.

  Explanation: This illustrates suffrage as the active participation in the electoral process, where individuals use their right to cast a ballot and influence political outcomes.

• Example 3: In many democratic nations, laws dictate that only citizens who have reached the age of 18 are granted suffrage, meaning they are legally permitted to vote in public elections.

  Explanation: This example clarifies that while suffrage is a right, it is often subject to specific legal qualifications, such as age or citizenship, which define who is eligible to participate in voting.