What term describes a tax that must be paid in order to vote?

The correct term that describes a tax that must be paid in order to vote is "poll tax." A poll tax was historically implemented in some states as a means of restricting voting rights, particularly targeting disenfranchised groups, including African Americans and poor individuals. It served as a financial barrier to voting, as individuals were required to pay this tax before they could cast their ballot.

Poll taxes were declared unconstitutional in federal and state elections through the 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1964, which prohibited poll taxes in federal elections. This ruling was further reinforced in 1966 when the Supreme Court ruled that poll taxes were unlawful in state elections as well.

Understanding the nature of poll taxes offers insight into historical efforts to limit voting rights and the ongoing struggle for universal suffrage in the United States. The other tax types mentioned, such as sales tax, income tax, and property tax, are general forms of taxation based on purchases, earnings, and property ownership, respectively, and do not specifically pertain to voting requirements.