Definition and meaning of suffrage: Suffrage is the right to vote. Suffrage is the ultimate expression of a free and democratic society. It is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy and has been a long-fought-for goal of those seeking to improve the lives of all citizens. The right to vote has been a hard-fought battle for people of color, women, and those of lower socio-economic backgrounds. The true meaning of suffrage is a right to have a say in the decisions of the nation and to be a part of the democratic process. When we have the right to vote, we can challenge the status quo and push for needed reform.