1860 New York suffrage referendum
A referendum on black suffrage was held in New York in 1860. Voters were asked whether universal suffrage for black men 21 years of age and older should be introduced. At the time, black voters were required to meet certain property-owning criteria. Black men who owned the required amount of property could still vote in the state, and many did vote in the referendum.
The referendum question failed, with 64% voting against the change, and property restrictions to vote were maintained for blacks.
The referendum was most heavily supported by voters in Upstate New York. The Five Boroughs of New York City, as well as most of the area around the city, voted against the proposed amendment.
