Voting rights is a racial justice issue
Historically, restrictive election laws such as poll taxes and literacy tests systemically suppressed voting among people of color. Unfortunately, voter suppression efforts aimed at black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) continue today. Current tactics, among others, include passing voter photo ID laws, reducing or changing polling places, reducing or eliminating vote -by-mail, limiting voter registration options, inappropriately purging voter rolls, gerrymandering and promoting felony disenfranchisement.
Below is information for you to learn more and to get information on how to take action.
What to Read
Our current grid of voter requirements by state for 18 states that was based on a review of the websites for Secretary of State offices, Department of Corrections, and/or other state offices.
Voting Rights and Vote Suppression by the National Voter Corps
This is a detailed, powerful summary produced by the National Voter Corps that seeks to answer the question of how and why, 50 years after the passing of the Voting Rights Act, the fundamental right to vote continues to be systematically suppressed.
What to Watch
Supressed 2020: The Fight to Vote is a powerful 35-minute documentary about the growing threat of voter suppression to our 2020 election. Register here to join LWV Edina's screening of Suppressed 2020: The Fight to Vote on Thursday, March 25 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. More information about the Brave New Film organization is on their website.
Watch All In: The Fight for Democracy on Amazon Prime. It features Stacy Abrams' fight in GA and provides excellent historic context. You can view the All In trailer on YouTube.
What to Do
Many effective organizations, including the League of Women Voters, are actively working to protect the right to vote. Sign-up for updates and opportunities to engage locally and/or nationally. Here are a few options.
Fighting Voter Supression with the National League of Women Voters
Demand Bold Progress with the ACLU
Ensure Every American Can Vote with the Brennan Center
Join Common Cause to provide free, fair, and accessible voting and elections
A list of more resources can be foud on the National Voter Corps website