Republicans' Voter Suppression Efforts Threaten Democracy

Strategic Insights -

A new wave of voter suppression laws aimed at limiting access to the ballot box threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible American citizens, particularly people of color. In stark contrast, landmark democracy reform legislation, the For the People Act (H.R. 1), is pending in the US Senate, where Republicans are racing to enact new laws to restrict voting. If enacted, H.R. 1 would establish a baseline of fair and secure rules for voting in federal elections, ensuring all eligible citizens can vote easily, safely, and securely.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 250 bills have been filed in 43 states to restrict voting, with more than seven times the number filed at a similar time last year, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
  • Republicans in state legislatures are enacting laws that could leave millions of eligible citizens struggling to vote in future elections, with Georgia and Arizona being two of the most egregious examples.
  • The For the People Act (H.R. 1) and its Senate companion, S.1, establish a baseline of fair and secure rules for voting in federal elections, including requiring states to allow any eligible voter to vote by mail with no excuse required and to allow at least two weeks of early voting.
  • H.R. 1 and S.1 also address the problem of corruption in campaign finance by creating a voluntary system that allows federal candidates to finance their campaigns with non-corrupting, small contributions up to $200 matched by public funds at a 6 to 1 ratio.
  • Republicans have used former President Donald Trump's false claims of massive voting fraud to pursue state laws that could result in the greatest suppression of eligible American voters since the Jim Crow era.
  • In Georgia, the Republican-controlled House has passed legislation to require photo ID for absentee voting, limit the early voting period, restrict ballot drop box locations, and reduce Sunday voting in October to one Sunday, a move aimed directly at Black churches and Black voters.
  • In Arizona, the Republican-controlled House has introduced legislation to sharply limit the number of vote centers, a move that would greatly reduce the number of polling places in Maricopa County.

Statistics:

  • Over 250 bills filed in 43 states to restrict voting.
  • 7 times the number of bills filed to restrict voting at a similar time last year.
  • 43 states with pending voting restriction bills.
  • More than 60% of registered Arizona voters in Maricopa County.
  • $14.4 billion spent on the 2020 presidential and congressional elections.
  • Non-corrupting, small contributions up to $200 matched by public funds at a 6 to 1 ratio.

Sources:

  • Brennan Center for Justice: Over 250 bills filed in 43 states to restrict voting.
  • For the People Act (H.R. 1): Establishes a baseline of fair and secure rules for voting in federal elections.
  • Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona: Supreme Court decision reaffirming Congress's authority over voting regulations.
  • Citizens United decision: Opened the door to Super PACs and dark money nonprofits.
  • Voting Rights Act: Reauthorized in 2006 with 192 House Republicans voting in favor.
  • Voting Rights Advancement Act: Passed the House in 2019 with one Republican voting in favor.