does this sound good for my essay? does it make sense and is coherent?

The evolution of voting rights in America highlights the long struggle for inclusivity and equality. Initially, voting was restricted to white male property owners, excluding women, African Americans, and other marginalized groups. As the text highlights, "voting was restricted to white male property owners, excluding women, African Americans, and other marginalized groups" (Smith 14-15). Over time, significant milestones like the 19th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 expanded suffrage, allowing more citizens to participate in elections. Despite these advancements, the journey was fraught with challenges, including discriminatory practices and societal resistance. This historical context underscores the importance of recognizing voting as a fundamental right and the ongoing need to protect and expand access to the ballot for all citizens, reflecting the nation's commitment to democracy and self-governance. By limiting the electorate to a privileged few, early voting laws reinforced social hierarchies and denied a voice to large segments of the population. Understanding this historical context is crucial for addressing ongoing struggles for voting rights and the importance of inclusive policies that ensure equal participation. The reading further illustrates how foundational figures like John Adams predicted the eventual demand for broader voting rights, yet early laws continued to exclude many. According to the text, "Adams's prediction that all people would eventually demand the benefits of citizenship was correct. Americans learned to use their votes to demand more and more, and the country changed to accommodate them" (Smith 16). Even as the nation progressed, property-owning women and free Black men were often denied the right to vote, highlighting the persistent inequalities. The struggle for voting rights was not just a legal battle but also a societal one, involving protests and advocacy to overcome physical and systemic barriers. This history reveals the complexities of expanding suffrage and the necessity of continuous vigilance to protect these hard-won rights. Recognizing this legacy is essential for fostering a truly representative democracy