poll tax

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thoreau believed slavery was morally reprehensible, and refused to pay a poll tax supporting the government that allowed it.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Thoreau spent a night in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax, objecting to slavery and the Mexican War.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The role meant he was involved in introducing the poll tax in Scotland, where it was piloted a year earlier than in England and Wales.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2024

That history motivates former Democratic Senator Rodney Ellis, who sponsored the Senate resolution to abolish the poll tax and remove the old stigma.

From Washington Times • Aug. 20, 2023

The police routinely arrested masses of people for pass violations, possession of liquor, and failure to pay the poll tax.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela