Written by Lauren James Budhu
Heading to the polls this November? Mailing in your ballot? The midterm elections are fast approaching and the number of citizens voting might be impacted, particularly within minority populations. Unfortunately, there have been significant efforts to suppress voting rights across the country over the last few years, ranging from obstacles to voting by mail, new voter ID requirements, gerrymandering, and limitations on what officials can do to help promote voter access.
Voting rights have been protected since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 went into effect, prohibiting racial discimination in voting. It is considered to be one of the most effective pieces of federal civil rights legislation ever enacted in America. The act contains numerous provisions that provide nationwide protections for elections, expanding on the 15th Amendment of 1870 which granted Black men the right to vote. The measure was strengthened and reaffirmed in 1970, 1975 and 1982. However, within the last 10 years, provisions of the Voting Rights Act have been struck down twice – in 2013, and most recently in 2021.
Voting suppression became rampant over the course of the last several major elections. This includes in Southern states such as Georgia, where current Democratic governor nominee Stacy Abrams witnessed the Secretary of State’s mismanagement of the midterm elections in 2018. Because of this, she launched the voting rights organization Fair Fight to help ensure everyone has a voice in our election system.
So what is happening now? There is one key court case that could determine the future of some provisions within the VRA. Experts agree that a Supreme Court pro-ruling in Alabama’s Merrill v. Milligan case regarding its proposed maps would essentially allow states to exempt themselves from the Voting Rights Act, which could be detrimental to voting access. As minority populations continue to grow nationwide, it makes sense that representation should also increase across the board. However, many state legislatures have done the exact opposite by drawing unfair maps; VRA Section 2’s protections against racial gerrymandering are the primary available recourse.
Thankfully, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union are fighting to maintain our voting rights despite the efforts against them. Stay in the know on the ACLU’s work or donate to support their ongoing litigation and advocacy efforts.
If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time for the November 8th general midterm elections in some states! Get in the know on the latest voting rules, how to register, and more here.
