The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FRANCHISE / AND PROPERTY REQUIREMENT
Notes on Virginia . . . shows what I think on the question of the
right of electing and being elected . . . on a year's residence in the
country; or the possession of property in it, or a year's enrollment
in its militia. When the constitution of Virginia was framed I was in
attendance at Congress. Had I been here I should probably have
proposed a general suffrage: because my opinion has always been in
favor of it Still I find very honest men who, thinking the possession
of some property necessary to give independence of mind, are for
restraining the elective franchise to property. I believe we may
lessen the danger of buying and selling votes, by making the number of
voters too great for any means of purchase: I may further say that I
have not observed men's honesty to increase with their riches.
to Jeremiah Moor, 14 August 1800
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