On 7 May 1946, Liberian voters considered a constitutional amendment extending the franchise to women, a major milestone in the country’s political and constitutional history.
Constitutional change
The amendment revised the suffrage clause in Article I, Section 11. The earlier language referred to every male citizen aged twenty-one or older who possessed real estate; the amended language recognized every citizen, male and female, meeting the age and property qualification.
Legislative path
The Senate and House of Representatives approved the joint resolution on 11 December 1945 and directed that it be submitted to the people on the first Tuesday of May 1946.
Reported outcome
United Nations historical documentation records that the amendment was submitted as scheduled and adopted in May 1946. Historical summaries place its effective declaration later in 1946. A complete certified national vote table has not been located for this archive entry.
Scope and limitations
This reform was significant, but it did not immediately create equal universal suffrage. The property qualification remained, and later constitutional changes addressed women in the hinterland provinces and eligibility for legislative office. Contemporary reporting identifies the 1951 general election as the first presidential election in which women exercised the new franchise.
Historical significance
The referendum removed the word “male” as a constitutional barrier to voting for qualified citizens and established a foundation for the later expansion of women’s political participation across Liberia.
Evidence status
Partial historical record. The amendment text, legislative resolution, referendum date and adoption are documented. Exact vote totals, turnout and a complete certified return remain under archival review.