[Georgia Girl 2]

I think originally the founding fathers only wanted property owners to vote. Maybe not such a bad idea.

[MrB]

It’s a great idea, inspired, even...

Property ownership is a proxy for having the character necessary to make an informed choice in an election.

[Joe Boucher]

Since they pay the majority of bills,
Not a bad idea

[TxAg1981]

By only allowing property owners to vote, we had a higher probability that the voters were involved in the creation of the Nation.
Now, almost half of the population are merely hangers on. They crack the whips for those pulling the cart to pull harder, faster.
I agree that only land owners should be allowed to vote. Just because you draw breath does not mean you get a say in the direction of the country.

Put some skin in the game, and you get a voice. Without roots (owning a piece of the land) you are easily blown and have no lasting attachment to the success of the nation as a whole.

[jboot]

Intelligence and knowledge are subjective criteria. But the franchise is too valuable to bestow gratis on all comers. IMO, the franchise should be granted only to adults over the age of 30, and then only to A. Landowners; B. Veterans; C. Taxpayers who have continuously paid income taxes for a prescribed period, say 4 years.

Obviously, category C goes away if the income tax is abolished. But I digress.

In contrast, the francise should be removed from all criminals, the mentally ill, anyone who receives taxpayer monies and from any taxpayer formerly franchised under category C above who has failed to pay income taxes for a period of time. The infirm and the elderly could be exempted from the latter condition.

[READINABLUESTATE]

“I think originally the founding fathers only wanted property owners to vote.”

I’ve been saying this for years.

[Melas]

No, actually that's a horrible idea. Tying the vote to land ownership in agrarian America where land meant wealth made good sense. Also, it's important to note that land ownership in early America, did NOT include domiciles, but was meant to include only workable, profitable land, or profitable structures (read business). However, the industrial revolution changed all that, and the digital age even more.

Today, in the 21st century, I could show you a crack house in Oak Cliff (Dallas sub) that someone owns. 10 miles away, I can show you highly productive citizens that live in the residences at the Ritz Carlton, some of which are owned, and some of which are rented from the Ritz.

Now I own a home at the moment. A home that in later life I intend to sell in favor of an upkeep provided residence be it a condo or apartment. It makes absolutely no sense why I should lose my right to vote because I made a practical decision as age dictates a change in lifestyle.

The idea that land ownership grants a greater stake in America really is so 18th century.