If you have been following the recent election in the US, then there may be a good chance that you have recently begun to wonder more about the state of democracy, and more specifically, the types of voting rights that US citizens have. Ever since election night, there have been many different claims of fraud and multiple allegations saying that certain votes should not be counted. Fortunately, there are laws in the US pertaining to elections to help ensure that no individual or party will be able to compromise the election process. This article will seek to shed light on the different aspects of voting rights in the US and how they pertain to you as an individual.
Protected
One of the most amazing things about the US, and more generally speaking – democracy , is the fact that each person’s right to vote is protected by the government. This means that every single citizen of legal voting age has the right to lend their voice to the process of creating a better country for everyone to live in. Many people think their votes do not matter, but this could not be further from the truth. You have the right to vote for a reason, so get out and do it!
Voter Suppression
One of the most long-standing tactics which have been present in US elections since the very beginning is the idea of voter suppression. This issue has plagued many different groups throughout American history, whether it be women, indigenous people, African Americans, or other minority groups. Experts at https://theamericanleader.org/ discuss the different ways that similar policies in modern politics seek to implement a similar agenda, but on a more subtle level. Modern-day voter suppression looks like disenfranchising inmates (who are disproportionately from minority groups) and closing polling locations in areas with large minority populations.
History
The history of voting rights in the US is a contentious one at best. The country has constantly been plagued with issues regarding who can vote throughout its brief and tumultuous history. The positive side of this history is that it is one which has been highlighted by more people gaining the right to voice their opinion through voting. Women in the US first earned the right to vote in the 1920s. Many African Americans were not able to vote in the US until the mid-1960s. Since this right has only been extended to some people in the last generation or two, the political landscape is still developing. Expect to see big changes in the US in the years to come.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful and informative regarding the different things that you should probably know about voting rights in the US. It is normal to feel strange in recent weeks after seeing an acting president of the US try to take issue with how safe and regulated US elections are. This article should have, hopefully, provided a brief synopsis of the general history and current standing of voting rights in the US, allowing you to have a more accurate picture of the current political landscape.
