William Rehnquist's Voter Intimidation Tactics

William Rehnquist's involvement in voter intimidation emerged during the Senate hearings for his confirmation as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Witnesses recounted instances in the 1960s where he challenged the eligibility of black voters at polling places, demanding they read from the Constitution to prove their literacy. Rehnquist, while denying any claims of harassment, admitted to providing legal advice to those performing such challenges, calling it an Election Day program. This tactic not only reflected his personal beliefs but also laid the groundwork for national strategies regarding voter participation, influencing current debates on voting laws.