The American political landscape has been a battleground over voting rights, especially since the contentious 2020 election. As we move closer to the next election cycle, the struggle between expanding and restricting voting rights continues to shape the nation’s democratic processes. However, 2023 has brought some surprising shifts in this ongoing tug-of-war, as reported by Axios and the Voting Rights Lab. According to the Voting Rights Lab, a nonprofit organization, 29 states along with Washington, D.C., have enacted 70 laws aimed at expanding voting rights this year. This is in stark contrast to the 16 states that have enacted 29 laws to restrict voting. Axios corroborates this data, highlighting that more states have improved access to voting in 2023 than have restricted it.
The Red States’ U-Turn
Interestingly, some Republican-led states like Arkansas have taken steps to ease voting restrictions. This is a significant departure from the party’s previous hardline stance against expanding voting access, often citing unproven claims of election fraud.
Felon Voting Rights: The Patchwork Gets a Few New Threads
Bipartisan Efforts in Kentucky
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Kentucky’s political leaders have made some pandemic-induced voting changes permanent. These include expanded early voting and absentee ballots, offering a glimmer of hope for more inclusive voting policies nationwide. This information is supported by a PDF source that was uploaded, detailing the bipartisan efforts in Kentucky.
Recent State Actions: A Mixed Bag
States like New Mexico and Minnesota have restored voting rights to citizens on parole. Virginia, on the other hand, has taken a step back by requiring individuals to apply for rights restoration. Tennessee’s Supreme Court ruling adds another layer of complexity, requiring judicial approval for felons seeking to regain their voting rights.
The Battle in Swing States: Where Every Vote Could Count
Michigan’s Progressive Strides
Michigan has passed a comprehensive package of bills to increase voting access. These laws ensure that student IDs are acceptable identification at the polls, expand early voting, and improve tracking procedures for mail-in ballots. Axios reports that such significant new laws in swing states like Michigan are likely to be crucial in the 2024 presidential election.
Nevada: A Case Study in Complexity
Nevada has improved voting access for Indigenous people and felons but has also approved harsher penalties for tampering with voting equipment. This dual approach reflects the state’s politically divided landscape, as highlighted by Axios.
The Road Ahead: Uncertain but Promising
Expert Opinions
Megan Bellamy, vice president of law and policy at the Voting Rights Lab, points out that some Republican-led states are embracing policies that were previously cited in false claims of election fraud. This suggests a possible shift in the GOP’s stance on voting rights.
Thought-Provoking Implications: Questions for the Future
- Bipartisan Breakthroughs: Could the bipartisan efforts in states like Kentucky signal a new era of cooperation in American politics?
- Swing State Dynamics: How will the new laws in swing states like Michigan and Nevada impact the 2024 presidential election?
- The Future of Voting Rights: With the current trajectory leaning towards expansion, what can we expect in the years leading up to the next election cycle?
The state of voting rights in America remains a complex and divisive issue. However, the legislative shifts and bipartisan efforts of 2023 indicate that progress, though slow and uneven, is indeed possible.
Axios. (2023). Push to expand voting rights gains ground in 2023. Axios. https://www.axios.com/2023/09/02/push-to-expand-voting-rights-gains-ground-in-2023