Written by Lauren James Budhu
Heading to the polls this November? Or mailing in your ballot? The 2024 general elections for the United States are fast approaching, and it’s time to get registered to vote if you haven’t already. After all, it’s one of the most important elections in our lifetime.
So, why does it matter to vote? It’s important to reflect on the significance of the right to vote — a fundamental pillar of democracy that many fought to secure. Voting is more than a civic duty; it is an expression of your voice, values, and vision for the future of our country. The fight continues to this day. Unfortunately, there have been efforts to suppress voting rights across the country over the last few years, ranging from obstacles to voting by mail, new voter ID requirements, gerrymandering, and limitations on what officials can do to help promote voter access.
Voting rights have been protected since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 went into effect across the country, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. It is considered one of the most effective pieces of federal civil rights legislation ever enacted in America. The act contains numerous provisions that provide nationwide protections on elections; it expanded on the 15th Amendment, which granted Black men the right to vote in 1870. The measure was strengthened and reaffirmed in 1970, 1975, and 1982. However, within the last ten years, provisions of the Voting Rights Act have been struck down twice – in 2013 and most recently in 2021. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped back from the brink of totally gutting the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act and reaffirmed the precedent interpreting how legislative districts must be drawn.
So what is happening now? According to the Brennan Center, between January 1 and September 16 this year:
- At least nine states enacted 18 restrictive voting laws, the second-highest level of output in any year since the Brennan Center began tracking such legislation over a decade ago (the highest number was in 2021). Louisiana is responsible for eight of these laws. At least four states enacted 11 restrictive laws since May.
- At least two states enacted two election interference laws, with one new law passed in Louisiana since May.
- At least 19 states enacted 28 expansive laws, and at least nine states enacted 14 of these laws since May.
Luckily, organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union are fighting to maintain our voting rights despite the efforts against them. Stay informed about the ACLU’s work or donate to support their ongoing litigation and advocacy efforts.
If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time for the November 5th general elections in most states! Check out voting information in your state, see if you’re registered already, request an absentee ballot, and get more voting info here. Exercise your right to vote!
