<P> The eligibility of an individual for voting is set out in the constitution and also regulated at state level . The constitution states that suffrage can not be denied on grounds of race or color , sex , or age for citizens eighteen years or older . Beyond these basic qualifications , it is the responsibility of state legislatures to regulate voter eligibility . Some states ban convicted criminals , especially felons , from voting for a fixed period of time or indefinitely . The number of American adults who are currently or permanently ineligible to vote due to felony convictions is estimated to be 5.3 million . Some states also have legacy constitutional statements barring legally declared incompetent from voting ; such references are generally considered obsolete and are being considered for review or removal where they appear . </P>
<P> The eligibility of an individual for voting is set out in the constitution and also regulated at state level . The constitution states that suffrage can not be denied on grounds of race or color , sex , or age for citizens eighteen years or older . Beyond these basic qualifications , it is the responsibility of state legislatures to regulate voter eligibility . Some states ban convicted criminals , especially felons , from voting for a fixed period of time or indefinitely . The number of American adults who are currently or permanently ineligible to vote due to felony convictions is estimated to be 5.3 million . Some states also have legacy constitutional statements barring legally declared incompetent from voting ; such references are generally considered obsolete and are being considered for review or removal where they appear . </P>
who sets voting qualifications on the state level
who sets voting qualifications on the state level
state legislatures
state legislatures