In the late 1800s many Southern states adopted a poll tax.  This meant that even though the 15th amendment gave former slaves the right to vote, many people, both black and white, did not have enough money to vote.  On January 23, 1964, the United States ratified the 24th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the poll tax in elections for federal officials. Below are sample poll tax receipts issued n Navarro County Texas.   1913 Poll Tax Receipt J. W. Faughaw, Kerens, TX 1914 Poll Tax Receipt J. W. Faughaw, Kerens, TX 1949 Poll Tax Receipt -  Mrs. G. R. Arnett of Barry, TX Poll Tax Recipts from J. W. Phelps of Barry, TX Submitted by Kathryn Wilson 1/2003   See Also: Link to: Suffrage in the South: Poll Tax Link to: The 24th Amendment