Stacey welcomes Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author, known for his insights on voting legislation. They dive into the urgent challenges of voter suppression, highlighting recent restrictive laws like Senate Bill 202 in Georgia. Ari debunks myths surrounding voter fraud and emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements. The conversation also explores how emotional honesty can foster civic engagement and discusses practical steps for listeners to actively protect their voting rights and democracy.
Voter suppression tactics, like those introduced by Georgia's Senate Bill 202, reflect a troubling trend affecting access across nearly half of U.S. states.
The Supreme Court's 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder has led to the enactment of over 100 restrictive voting laws that disproportionately impact minority communities.
Grassroots advocacy has yielded positive changes in voter access in states like Nevada and Michigan, highlighting the importance of local engagement in protecting voting rights.
Deep dives
The Rise of Voter Suppression in Georgia
Georgia has become a focal point for voter suppression tactics, particularly following the implementation of Senate Bill 202, which criminalizes providing food and water to voters waiting in line. This law also introduces strict voter ID requirements and shortens the time frame for requesting mail ballots. Further exacerbating these issues, additional legislation in 2021, such as SB 189, has made it increasingly difficult for homeless and disabled individuals to vote. These restrictive measures reflect a disturbing trend, as nearly half of U.S. states now enforce similar laws that threaten the voting rights of many citizens.
National Trends in Voter Restrictions
A stark increase in restrictive voting laws has been observed across the United States, with 291 such bills introduced during the 2024 legislative session alone. Voters in 28 states will encounter new laws come November, making it more challenging for them to exercise their rights compared to previous elections. Analysis indicates that as of May, 21 states are implementing voting restrictions that were not present in either the last presidential or midterm elections. This alarming trend reflects systemic efforts to suppress voter participation, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Impact of the Supreme Court on Voting Rights
The Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened the Voting Rights Act, resulting in more than 100 restrictive voting laws being passed across at least 31 states since then. The ruling effectively dismantled federal oversight that had previously protected minority voters from discriminatory practices, particularly in the South. Without this safeguard, states with histories of voter suppression have re-instated laws that disproportionately affect minority communities. The consequences of this legal decision continue to manifest as states exploit the absence of federal checks to manipulate voting procedures.
Grassroots Movements and Political Engagement
While the landscape for voting rights is fraught with challenges, there are positive examples of grassroots advocacy making an impact. States like Nevada and Michigan have expanded voter access since 2020, incorporating measures like universal mail voting and extended early voting periods. Conversely, in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, despite legislative attempts to suppress voting, grassroots activism has maintained similar levels of access as experienced in previous elections. The success of these movements serves as a reminder that engagement at the local level is vital to combat disinformation and structural suppression.
The Role of Community and Local Elections
The importance of local elections cannot be overstated, as they often determine the policies that directly affect daily life, such as education, public health, and community safety. Engaging with the issues that resonate within communities, such as school board decisions or state legislature actions, allows citizens to see the tangible impact of their votes. By framing voting as a tool for addressing pressing local concerns, individuals can be motivated to participate actively in the democratic process. Ultimately, fostering a culture of political engagement starts with connecting these local issues to the broader struggle for voter rights and representation.
Stacey is joined by Mother Jones’ national voting rights correspondent and author, Ari Berman, to untangle threats to voting rights ahead of November’s election, what’s changed since the last presidential election, and how to push back to protect access this year and beyond.
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