As Election Day looms closer, concerns about voter suppression are growing across the country. From restrictive voter ID laws to the closing of polling places, there are a number of tactics that can make it more difficult for certain groups of people to exercise their right to vote. And as we head into what promises to be a contentious and high-stakes election, these concerns are more pressing than ever.
One of the most common forms of voter suppression is the implementation of strict voter ID laws. These laws require voters to show a government-issued photo ID before they can cast their ballot. On the surface, this might seem like a simple and reasonable requirement. After all, we need IDs to do many things in our daily lives, from boarding a plane to buying alcohol. But the reality is that obtaining a government-issued ID can be a significant burden for many people, especially those in marginalized communities.
For some, the process of obtaining an ID can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, individuals may not have easy access to the necessary documentation, such as a birth certificate or social security card. For others, the cost of obtaining an ID – including fees for getting copies of documents and transportation to the issuing office – can be prohibitive. And for those who live in rural or underserved areas, the nearest ID office may be hours away, making it difficult to find the time to make the journey.
In addition to voter ID laws, another common tactic used to suppress the vote is the closing of polling places, particularly in low-income and minority communities. When polling places are closed or consolidated, voters are forced to travel further distances to cast their ballots. This can be a significant barrier for those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility. In some cases, voters may not have access to transportation at all, making it nearly impossible for them to get to the polls.
The closing of polling places can also lead to long lines and overcrowded polling locations, disenfranchising voters who are unable to wait for hours to cast their ballot. This was painfully evident during the 2020 primaries, when voters in several states faced hours-long lines and confusion due to the closure of polling places and the consolidation of voting locations. And with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, there are concerns that long lines and crowded polling places could put voters at risk of exposure to the virus.
In addition to these more overt forms of voter suppression, there are also subtler tactics at play. For example, voter purges – the removal of eligible voters from the registration rolls – have become increasingly common in recent years. These purges often target infrequent voters or those who have moved recently, resulting in the disenfranchisement of thousands of eligible voters. And with the rise of online voter registration, there are concerns that errors in the system could lead to the accidental removal of eligible voters from the rolls.
There are also concerns about misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at suppressing the vote. In recent years, we have seen a rise in false information about voting procedures and requirements being spread on social media and other platforms. This misinformation can confuse voters and deter them from participating in the electoral process. And with foreign actors seeking to sow discord and undermine our democracy, the threat of misinformation campaigns looms large as we head into the 2020 election.
So what can be done to combat voter suppression and ensure that every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot? One key solution is to expand access to the ballot box through measures such as early voting, mail-in voting, and online voter registration. By giving voters more options for casting their ballots, we can reduce the barriers that keep people from participating in the electoral process.
Another important step is to increase funding and support for voter education and outreach programs. By providing voters with accurate information about their rights and the voting process, we can empower them to overcome any obstacles they may face. This includes reaching out to marginalized communities, non-English speakers, and other groups that may face particular challenges in accessing the ballot box.
Ultimately, the fight against voter suppression is a fight for democracy itself. Every eligible voter deserves the right to have their voice heard in our elections, regardless of their race, gender, income, or zip code. As we approach Election Day, let us all do our part to ensure that every voice is counted and every vote is protected. Our democracy depends on it.
