Suffrage, also known as political franchise or simply franchise, is the right to vote in public, political elections, and referendums. The term suffrage comes from the Latin word "suffragium," which initially meant "a voting-tablet," "a ballot," "a vote," or "the right to vote". The history of suffrage is one of gradual extension from limited, privileged groups in society to the entire adult population. The basic qualifications for suffrage are similar everywhere, although there are minor variations from country to country. Usually, only adult citizens of a country are eligible to vote, and the minimum age varies from 18 to 25 years.

There are two types of suffrage: active suffrage and passive suffrage. Active suffrage is the right to vote, while passive suffrage is the right to stand for election. The combination of active and passive suffrage is sometimes called full suffrage.

Womens suffrage is the right of women to vote. This was the goal of the suffragists, who believed in using legal means, as well as the suffragettes, who used extremist measures. Suffrage equity was drafted into provisions of the State of New Jerseys first, 1776 Constitution, which extended the right to vote to unwed female landholders and black landowners.

Before the evolution of universal suffrage, most countries required special qualifications of their voters. For example, in 18th- and 19th-century Britain, there was a property or income qualification, and only those who had a stake in the country were allowed a voice in its public affairs.

In summary, suffrage is the right to vote in public, political elections, and referendums. It has a long history of gradual extension from limited, privileged groups in society to the entire adult population.