Selects: Are Election Laws Designed to Suppress Voting? | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the controversial topic of voter suppression and voter fraud. They discuss the historical context, the impact of voter ID laws, and the ongoing issues surrounding voting rights in the United States.

Main Takeaways

Voter Suppression Tactics

• Republican Party accused of using voter suppression tactics to prevent certain groups from voting.
• Targeted attempts to block people from voting for Democrats.
• Specifically aimed at minorities or the elderly.
• Supreme Court’s decision to gut the Voting Rights Act of 1965 allowed voter suppression laws to sweep the country.

Historical Context

• Originally, only white men who owned property were allowed to vote.
• Civil War led to the 13th and 15th Amendments, granting suffrage to all men regardless of race.
• Jim Crow South and Dixie Crats’ voter suppression tactics.
• Literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clause laws used to prevent Black Americans from voting.

Felon Disenfranchisement

• Convicted felons lose their voting rights in many states.
• Racial disparity in disenfranchisement, with a higher percentage of African Americans affected.
• Only two states allow incarcerated felons to vote: Vermont and Maine.

Voter ID Laws

• Voter ID laws strategically targeted to suppress voting among groups that tend to vote Democrat.
• Require documents like birth certificates, which can be difficult and costly for certain individuals.
• Free voter ID registration drives have limited success.
• Studies show that voter ID laws do not significantly impact election outcomes.

Voter Intimidation Tactics

• Billboards with threatening language and poll watchers used as intimidation techniques.
• Targeted at poorer neighborhoods and minority communities.
• Historic black churches’ voting campaigns faced pushback from bans on voting on Sundays.
• Intimidation tactics can discourage voter turnout.

Summary

Voter Suppression Tactics

Voter suppression tactics have been used throughout history to prevent certain groups from voting. The Republican Party has been accused of using these tactics to block people from voting for Democrats, specifically targeting minorities and the elderly. The Supreme Court’s decision to weaken the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has allowed voter suppression laws to spread across the country.

Historical Context

The right to vote has evolved over time. Originally, only white men who owned property could vote, but amendments following the Civil War granted suffrage to all men regardless of race. However, voter suppression tactics such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clause laws were used to prevent Black Americans from voting during the Jim Crow era.

Felon Disenfranchisement

Convicted felons lose their voting rights in many states, and there is a racial disparity in disenfranchisement, with a higher percentage of African Americans affected. Only Vermont and Maine allow incarcerated felons to vote, highlighting the need for reform in this area.

Voter ID Laws

Voter ID laws have been implemented as a means to prevent voter fraud but have been criticized for suppressing voting among groups that tend to vote Democrat, such as minorities, women, the poor, the disabled, and the elderly. Obtaining the necessary documents for a free voter ID can be costly and challenging for certain individuals, creating barriers to voting.

Voter Intimidation Tactics

Voter intimidation tactics, such as billboards with threatening language and poll watchers, are often targeted at poorer neighborhoods and minority communities. These tactics can discourage voter turnout and make individuals feel unwelcome at polling stations.

Conclusion

Voter suppression and voter fraud continue to be contentious issues in politics today. While some argue for the need to prevent voter fraud, others highlight the importance of protecting voting rights and ensuring equal access to the polls. It is crucial to address these issues and work towards fair and inclusive elections that uphold the principles of democracy.