Enfranchise

Enfranchise is a verb that means to grant the rights of citizenship, particularly the right to vote in elections. It often refers to the act of extending political rights to a group that has been disenfranchised. Enfranchisement is seen as a key step in promoting equality and democracy within a society.

Enfranchise meaning with examples

• The civil rights movement aimed to enfranchise African Americans, ensuring they had equal access to the voting booth and could participate fully in the democratic process. Activists fought against discriminatory practices that suppressed their votes and worked tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers that hindered their political engagement.
• Many countries have undergone significant reforms to enfranchise women, recognizing their vital role in society and governance. These changes have included legislative measures that not only grant the right to vote but also promote female representation in political offices, creating a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.
• In the aftermath of the revolution, the new government took steps to enfranchise indigenous populations, acknowledging their historical marginalization. This initiative aimed to empower these communities and integrate them into the nation's political framework, fostering a sense of belonging and civic responsibility among all citizens.
• The recent wave of voting laws in some states has raised concerns about efforts to disenfranchise minority voters. Advocates for voting rights argue that such laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities and undermine the foundational principle of enfranchisement that lies at the heart of democracy.