My understanding of the early days of the republic is

Only property owners had the right to vote. Women generally were not permitted to vote, the asumption being their vote would mimic their husbands'. A widow who inherited the family propery at her husband's death had the right to vote.

In modern times a similar situation would be that the right to vote is contingent on paying income tax.

I do agree that those making the rules should have 'skin in the game'