History of South America

Who could vote in the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

In the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, only male members of the local Congregational church were allowed to vote. This was because the colony was founded as a religious community, and only church members were considered to be full members of the community. Over time, however, the voting franchise was gradually expanded to include all male property owners. This was a significant change, as it meant that non-church members and even non-Christians were now allowed to participate in the political process.