By: Aditi Salunkhe | Voting | Image Courtesy of PBS News
Here are some of the most common challenges communities encounter during the voting process.
1. Voter ID Laws
Thirty-seven states have laws that require voters to show some form of identification before voting at polling centers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Disenfranchised citizens, such as people of color and low-income voters, are negatively impacted the most by voter ID laws as they may have trouble obtaining the proper identification or traveling to an ID location.
2. Voter Registration Restrictions
Complex voter registration processes, such as tight deadlines or strict registration requirements, may deter disenfranchised individuals from registering to vote. In 2023, 322 bills that limited citizens’ access to voting were introduced in state legislatures.
3. Gerrymandering
Redrawing electoral districts to benefit a political party or put their opponents at a disadvantage can diminish the voting power of certain communities. Gerrymandering may sway election results, reducing the voter impact and discouraging citizens from exercising their right to vote. It is the process of intentionally manipulating “district boundaries to discriminate against a group of voters on the basis of their political views,” according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
4. Limited Early Voting Opportunities
Limited timeframes and inadequate resources for early voting can create barriers for individuals who work long hours or who have additional familial duties. Limited access to early voting may disproportionately affect low-income individuals who cannot afford to take time off during regular polling hours.
5. Language Barriers
Language barriers at polling sites may emerge due to insufficient support or inadequate translation services. These barriers can hinder non-English speakers from participating, an issue that is particularly common in immigrant communities.
In conclusion, as there are numerous barriers to voting, ensuring equality in the voting process is an ongoing challenge. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts to uphold the fundamental right to vote.
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