Native Americans, Immigrants, and African Americans
Native Americans
Indigenous people have lived in Utah for more than 12,000 years. However, a law passed in 1897 by the second legislative assembly prohibited Native Americans residing on reservations from voting, as they were not recognized as residents of the state. Despite discussions, debates, and legal appeals, the law was not revoked until 1957.
Immigrants
Utah leaders were slow to recognize the economic contributions of immigrants who labored on railroad lines, on farms, and in mines. Amongst others, such immigrants included Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, Greeks, Jews, and Italians.
African Americans
During the late 1800s, Utah’s African American population grew with the expansion of railroads, the growth of mining, and the military presence at Fort Duchesne. Although the community was comparatively small, its members took an active interest in politics. African American political clubs and newspapers facilitated this involvement. While the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans, it is difficult to know the experiences of black Utahns’ participation at the voter polls. In 1976, the Reverend Robert Harris became the first African American elected to the Utah State Legislature.