Voting rights

Problems & Solutions

Many serious problems plague American elections, making it harder to vote and preventing the full and free participation of all citizens. This is particularly true of low-income and people of color. (download info document) But effective and constitutional solutions are implemented in some states and a growing voting rights movement is demanding reform.

Voter registration problems (only about 75% of eligible citizens are registered to vote).

  • Complicated registration forms not easily accessed

  • Confusing deadlines for registering

  • Required re-registration whenever a voter changes residence

  • Passports or photo IDs demanded in some states

  • Restrictions on absentee ballots

Voter registration solutions

  • Same-day voter registration - voters can register when they arrive at the polls to vote

  • On-line voter registration

  • No restriction absentee ballots

  • Automatic voter registration - voters are automatically registered when they interact with a federal agency (e.g. DMV, social security etc.)

  • Portable state voter registration - voters are not required to re-register if they change residence within a state.

  • Citizen registration - every citizen is automatically registered to vote.

  • Pre-registration of 17 year olds.

Low Election Day voter turnout (only about 55% of eligible voters cast votes in presidential elections; fewer vote in other elections).

  • Limited voting hours in only one day.

  • Long lines at polls discourage voting.

  • Responsibilities (e.g. work, home care, school etc.) that interfere with voting.

  • Long distance to travel to polls.

  • Disenfranchisement- former felons prevented from voting

  • Gutting provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Low turnout solutions

  • Increase the number of polling stations.

  • Crete a national holiday on Election Day.

  • Free transportation to polls

  • Mailed ballots

  • No-restriction absentee ballots

  • Early voting days with expanded hours

  • Felon voting rights

  • Reauthorize the 1965 Civil Rights Act

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