Don't get out the vote 2021
Critical Analysis
In 2020, 35 bills had been proposed in state legislatures to restrict voting. How many bills were proposed in state legislatures to restrict voting in 2021?
In 2021 what state has proposed the most bills to restrict voting?
According to the data from the map above, what two states leads the nation in voter restriction?
Considering the 2020 presidential election results in these two states, why do you think these two states in particular have taken the lead in restricting voting?
Despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the U.S., thus far this year, thirty-three states have introduced over 165 bills to restrict voting access. These proposals primarily seek to: (1) limit mail voting access; (2) impose stricter voter ID requirements; (3) slash voter registration opportunities; and (4) enable more aggressive voter roll purges. These bills are an unmistakable response to the unfounded and dangerous lies about fraud that followed the 2020 election. The Brennan Center’s seminal report The Truth About Voter Fraud conclusively demonstrated that most allegations of fraud turn out to be baseless and that most of the few remaining allegations reveal irregularities and other forms of election misconduct. Numerous other studies, including one commissioned by the Trump administration, have reached the same conclusion. Why do you think so many states are trying to restrict voting rights?
On February 18th Barry Fleming, a Republican state representative from Georgia, introduced a bill to the newly created Special Committee on Election Integrity that, if passed, would limit both early and in-person voting in future elections. Among other restrictions, the bill would eliminate early voting on Sunday, when black churches organize “souls to the polls” events to mobilize congregants. The bill would also oblige voters to show photo identification when casting their ballots, a requirement that political scientists have found disproportionately reduces turnout among minority and young voters. Mr Fleming’s bill is by no means the only new proposal ostensibly aimed at curbing fraud but in fact intended to make voting harder, especially for non-white and younger citizens, who tend to vote for Democrats. Why do you think Mr. Fleming is trying to restrict voting?
Imagine that the majority of these voting restriction bills get passed. Describe how enactment of these types of voting restrictions would impact the next election cycle. There are some states that are also working to increase voting rights.
Describe the battle over who gets to vote in your state.
The word democracy is not mentioned in the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution, and in the election of 1789, the first election of the new Congress. The overall number of people who were allowed to, and actually voted, was miniscule in state after state. For example, Delaware had a total state population of just over 59,000, but only 2,059 ballots were cast, meaning just 3% of the population. Georgia’s turnout was around 5%, New York about 3% and Rhode Island has what seems to have been lowest turnout of all at an abysmal 0.7%. Make a claim about how the Framers would react to the 250+ anti-democratic bills restricting voting rights.
In 1789, only white, land owning men had the ability to vote in most states. Since the Civil War, we have amended the Constitution to prohibit limiting voting rights based on gender, race, age (for citizens who are at least 18) and wealth (when banning the poll tax). States have usually taken the lead in expanding suffrage, including no state now denying voting rights due to property ownership, now many are taking the lead in decreasing suffrage. Explain whether the U.S. would be better off to return to the voting restrictions of 1789.
Currently, most attempts to restricting voting takes place at the state level. Explain how federalism impacts voting and democracy.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order to increase access to voting, particularly for minorities and individuals with disabilities. The move coincides with the 56th anniversary of a peaceful protest for voters’ rights in Selma, Alabama, that was met with violence. The president’s move is aimed at serving as an initial step. He also plans to work with Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act through the For The People Bill and other voter rights legislation. Make a claim about whether the U.S. needs a federal law limiting voting restrictions.
Learning Extension
Read this Brennan Center roundup on 2021 Voting Law Restrictions, and listen to this short report on the Supreme Court and voting rights.
Action Extension
Contact your U.S. Representative and let them know what you think about the For The People Bill which increases access to voting.
Visual Extension
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