Gram's Scrapbook - Poll Tax Exemptions

Prior to 1966, the State of Texas required payment of a poll tax in order for a citizen to be eligible to vote. Exemption from the tax was permitted under certain circumstances. 

Here are two Poll Tax Exemption Certificates that were issued to my grandmother, Mamie Olive (Martindale) Spurlock, one in 1960 and one in 1964. The first one shows that she was exempted because of her age; the second one does not give a reason for exemption but I would imagine it was the same. 

According to the article on Texas election laws on the Texas State Historical Association website, a state constitutional amendment removed the poll tax from the state constitution in 1966 and replaced it with an annual voter registration provision.

[Source: Spurlock, Mamie Olive (Martindale), Scrapbook, ca 1950-1970; privately held by Cheryl Anne (Chaney) Beaver, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Lone Grove, Oklahoma. 2010. Photocopy in possession of Denise Spurlock.]

© 2012 Denise Spurlock