“Republican States Changing Voter Restriction Laws in Response to Trump’s 2020 Loss: What It Means for Future Elections
Republican-led states are enacting voter restriction laws following Trump’s 2020 defeat. Here’s why activists are alarmed by the impact of these restrictions on the upcoming midterms and 2024 presidential elections.
Community activists are expressing concern, and here’s why…
Activists such as Cassandra Welchlin from Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable were dismayed after witnessing voters waiting in long lines outside polling sites, leaving without casting their ballots due to lack of ballots or confusion over multiple ballot styles. This shortage and delay, intentional or not, disproportionately affected voters of color in areas with a history of discrimination at the polls, raising concerns over voter suppression.
On the technical side…
At the center of the problem in Hinds County, Mississippi, was a mix-up in ballot orders due to a lack of training, an issue attributed to a confusion regarding split precincts. The shortage was caused by using the wrong report when ordering ballots from the Mississippi Secretary of State. And experts argue this issue was exacerbated by election officials’ lack of preparedness for the high turnout.
But who’s to blame?
Additionally, election officials in Hinds County cited the lack of training by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, which didn’t adequately prepare for the high number of split precincts in the 2022 redistricting. They also emphasized that they are not trying to point fingers, but rather emphasize the need to rectify the mistakes made.
On the larger scale, systemic issues amplify voter suppression…
Meanwhile, activists attributed the mishandling of voting systems and the shortage of ballots to bad administration and the implementation of more restrictive voting laws by the Republican state legislature. This form of disenfranchisement is contributing to concerns about voter access and discouraging an already disillusioned population.
What’s being done to address these disparities?
Amidst these challenges, civil rights groups pushed to increase voter turnout in Black communities across Mississippi. Civic engagement organizations have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to drive get-out-the-vote initiatives, particularly among infrequent Black voters. Despite setbacks due to the ballot shortages, these groups remain committed to amplifying Black voter voices and aims to eliminate the difficulties that many voters faced during the 2022 elections.
In conclusion, as states continue to impose restrictive voting laws, it is essential to address these systemic issues to ensure everyone’s right to vote is protected, guaranteeing a fair and inclusive election process.”
