In primary elections that have taken place in Kentucky and in Georgia there has already been scenarios of voter suppression. Since Shelby v. Hunter took away many of the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, voter suppression has been at an all time high. Read more here about how November elections may lead to one of the worst cases of voter suppression yet.
elections
This day in history, Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
On this day in history, Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the United States Supreme Court. Thurgood Marshall was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and sat as the first African American to serve on the highest court in the country. Thurgood Marshall’s appointment exemplifies the importance of exercising one’s right to vote and the power that the President has in appointing Supreme Court Justices. Read more about Marshall’s appointment here.
Voters opt to vote in person despite vote-by-mail option.
Recently, a number of states held their primaries. In Maryland, the state held their state and national primary elections. This was the state’s first time urging voters to vote primarily by mail due to Covid-19 restrictions. Voting in person was still allowed as an alternative for individuals who may not have received their ballot in the mail or experienced other obstacles. However, many people chose to vote in person and wait in line despite the mail-in option. What took place in this election may be a predictor of what takes place in elections come November. Read more about voters experience in Maryland’s primary election here.
Wisconsin officials have been officially sued after election failure.
The election failure that took place in Wisconsin is now being recognized as the “biggest election failure since the Voting Rights Act was enacted”. Thousands of individuals were denied the right to vote as a result of the way Wisconsin elections were handled. Read more about the current litigation here.
Today, the House is set to vote on $3 trillion aid package and historic rules changing remote voting.
This resolution being voted on today is considering additional aid to the american public as well as new options for remote voting. This bill would allow individuals to utilize technology to one day cast their votes from home. For example, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, suggested members could utilize technology similar to FaceTime to call to cast their votes. Read more about this historic legislation here.
Absentee voting during Covid-19.
The legal fight over how to protect the right to vote is constantly growing during Covid-19. Currently reading this piece on absentee voting throughout the country.
Supreme Court allows Wisconsin to throw away absentee ballots in gift to Republicans.
This is voter suppression. WI has made a number of last-minute changes in response to the coronavirus, such as drastically reducing polling places. Now, the Supreme Court told the state that it can’t make the changes that allow tens of thousands of its eligible persons to cast a ballot. Read about it here. #VoterSuppression
DMV Closures Hurting Voter Registration Numbers | KXNT 840 AM
A consequence of COVID-19 is widespread DMV closures and the inability to register to vote. You can read about Nevada’s experience here. DMVs and other voter registration options are sparse or non-existent in most states. Additionally, organizations that usually engage in voter registration activities are unable to do so in this state of emergency. #voterregistration #votingrights #COVID19
Queens Council Members Split Over Granting Non Citizens NYC Voting Rights | Jackson Heights Post
Considering expanding the vote to all residents of a locality regardless of citizenship status, read here.
Jan. 27, 2020 By Kristen Torres “The Queens delegation is split over a city bill that would grant green card holders and many other legal immigrants.”
Source: Queens Council Members Split Over Granting Non Citizens NYC Voting Rights | Jackson Heights Post
Federal judge lets North Dakota Republicans block Native Americans from voting.
Here’s an example of modern day voter suppression.
Republicans’ voter ID law is designed to disenfranchise Native Americans. It’s working.
— Read on slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/11/federal-judge-lets-north-dakota-republicans-block-native-americans-from-voting.html
