Articles and Amendments, Article VI

Article VI – In 1886 another proposition was placed before the voters. Article VI was a suffrage amendment extending the franchise to any foreign born U.S. citizen that served in the late Civil War from Rhode Island and was honorably discharged. This amendment would place such qualifying men on an equal footing as native born Rhode Island citizens. It was approved by 18,903 votes in favor while 1,477 votes opposed it. It became a statute in 1888 with the adoption of the Bourne amendment. 8.1 cm X 13.4 cm