A constitutional referendum was held on 1 May 1945 as Liberia debated the political incorporation of citizens living in the hinterland and broader representation in the national Legislature.
What voters considered
The proposed amendments addressed the constitutional property qualification for voting in Liberia’s hinterland provinces. For provincial voters, ownership of a hut on which the hut tax was paid would satisfy the property requirement.
Legislative representation
The amendments also expanded representation beyond the coastal counties. Historical summaries describe seats for the three hinterland provinces, representation for Marshall Territory and Grand Cape Mount County, and revised allocations for several existing counties.
Reported outcome
Historical election chronologies report that the amendments secured the constitutionally required two-thirds majority and were adopted. A complete, independently verifiable national vote table has not been located for this entry.
Historical significance
The measure formed part of President William V. S. Tubman’s unification-era reforms and widened formal participation for Indigenous Liberians in the hinterland. Contemporary diplomatic reporting also shows that practical access remained constrained by property, hut-tax and registration requirements.
Implementation
United States diplomatic records report that an elections law promulgated in December 1945 regulated registration and voting under the expanded franchise. Those records caution that formal eligibility did not automatically produce equal or effective political participation.
Evidence status
Partial historical record. The referendum date, constitutional subjects and reported adoption are documented. Exact vote totals, turnout and a complete certified return remain under archival review.