Devin Dwyer, ABC's senior Washington reporter, gives expert insights on the Supreme Court's controversial ruling allowing Virginia to purge voter rolls, raising alarms about election integrity. Steve Osensami, ABC senior national correspondent, discusses the alarming trend of disappearing polling places, especially affecting Black communities and their voting rights. The conversation explores the complexities of legal battles surrounding these issues and highlights grassroots efforts to ensure every vote counts in a pivotal election season.
The Supreme Court's ruling in Virginia may disenfranchise voters by rapidly purging names from registration rolls before the election.
The closure of polling places disproportionately affects communities of color, raising significant concerns about voter access and disenfranchisement.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Ruling in Virginia
The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allows Virginia to remove approximately 1,600 voters from its registration rolls, which has sparked significant controversy. This ruling, made just days before the election, is based on an executive order from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, aiming to exclude individuals who responded negatively on their citizenship status in driver's license forms. Critics argue that this rapid removal violates the National Voter Registration Act, which prohibits such actions close to an election, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. Although those affected can still vote through same-day registration, the implications of this decision could shape future voting laws and accessibility across various states.
Emerging Litigation Landscape
The current election cycle has witnessed an unprecedented amount of litigation, primarily initiated by the Republican Party in various battleground states. Notable cases include challenges in Pennsylvania regarding the handling of provisional ballots and the validity of mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The objective behind these legal challenges appears to be creating a complex environment around voting rules, potentially leading to confusion among voters. As the election date approaches, it remains to be seen how these legal disputes will unfold and what impact they may have on voter turnout and electoral integrity.
Access to Polling Places
The closing of polling places is significantly affecting voter access across the United States, with over 27,000 polling locations shuttered in the past decade. This trend raises concerns, particularly in communities of color, where individuals are increasingly required to travel farther to cast their votes. For instance, in Lincoln County, Georgia, polling sites were reduced from seven to three, prompting accusations of disenfranchisement aimed at the local black population. The challenges of accessibility are exacerbated in rural areas lacking early voting options, compelling some voters to rely on community efforts, such as local activists driving individuals to polls, to exercise their rights.
Shifts in Jaywalking Laws
Recent legal changes in New York City have transformed jaywalking from an offense into a common behavior on city streets, reflecting a growing trend in urban planning. This shift aims to prioritize pedestrian rights, as historical laws were often deemed more punitive towards marginalized communities. Advocates argue that modifying these laws is less about encouraging dangerous behavior and more about recognizing the reality of city life where pedestrians navigate busy streets. As cities like New York embrace this new approach, the underlying goal remains clear: creating safer environments for pedestrians through thoughtful urban design and policy reform.
The Supreme Court allows Virginia to purge hundreds of names off its voter rolls, days before the election. Voters react to a trend of “disappearing” polling places, particularly in Black communities. And New York City finally enacts a law allowing jaywalking.