Improving Access to Voting
Encouraging Full Voter Participation in Elections
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.”
~ Larry J. Sabato, Pendulum Swing
The right to vote is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Greater participation results in electing representatives who reflect our country and its citizens. Unfortunately, there are serious barriers to voting that keep millions away from the polls, leaving their voices unheard and their communities underrepresented. Regardless of party affiliation or the candidates we favor, we should all support improving access to voting and allowing all voices to be heard.
Barriers to Voting
Often, we mistakenly think that voter suppression is a thing of the past and the Jim Crow South. However, barriers to voting continue today and can be intentional and unintentional. Intentional barriers to voting include creating restrictions that are intended to stop specific people from voting, such as people of color or immigrants. Unintentional barriers to voting are factors that make it difficult for people to vote, but voter suppression is not the main intent.
The current barriers to voting include:
· Voter ID requirements — Officials in several states have enacted severely restrictive laws with…
