Overview
This lecture reviews voting rights in the United States, covering voter eligibility, historical and current barriers, and ongoing efforts to protect and expand access.
Voter Eligibility Requirements
- US citizens 18 or older who meet state residency requirements can vote in federal, state, and local elections.
- States set specific rules on registration, early voting, and primary participation; requirements vary by location.
- Most states require voter registration, except North Dakota, and some allow same-day registration.
- Some states allow individuals turning 18 by Election Day to vote in primaries if they are 17 at registration.
Groups Eligible to Vote
- Homeless individuals and people with disabilities are eligible to vote, with accommodations provided unless a court restricts them.
- Active-duty military, their families, and US citizens overseas can vote via absentee ballot.
- Pre-trial detainees (not convicted) retain voting rights.
- Victims of crimes and some professionals can vote confidentially via state programs.
History and Ongoing Struggles for Voting Rights
- Voting rights were expanded through suffrage, labor, and civil rights movements, facing continuous backlash from those in power.
- Jim Crow laws after Reconstruction used violence, poll taxes, and literacy tests to suppress voters of color.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 addressed many discriminatory tactics but did not eliminate felony disenfranchisement.
- The War on Drugs era expanded felony disenfranchisement, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities.
Felony Disenfranchisement
- Over 20 million Americans have felony convictions; more than 4 million are disenfranchised as of 2024.
- State laws on restoring voting rights after felony convictions vary widely, with only Maine, Vermont, and DC never removing these rights.
- Widespread misinformation exists about eligibility for those with felony histories.
Modern Barriers and Suppression Tactics
- Recent state-level laws impose strict voter ID requirements, cut voting times, and limit polling locations and registration.
- The 2013 Supreme Court Shelby County v. Holder decision weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections.
- Gerrymandering manipulates district boundaries for political advantage, reducing electoral competition and minority influence.
- Youth voters face barriers like uneven civic education, limited outreach, and absentee voting challenges.
Misinformation, Disinformation & Impact
- False claims about voter fraud and election security have eroded trust and reduced voter turnout.
- Disinformation campaigns target specific communities, especially voters of color.
- Structural barriers to voting reinforce myths that voting is unimportant, skewing representation toward wealthier, whiter populations.
Role of Social Workers and Call to Action
- Social workers can help expand access, fight disenfranchisement, volunteer at elections, and provide voter information and encouragement.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Disenfranchisement — Loss of the right to vote, often due to felony conviction or legislative barriers.
- Gerrymandering — Drawing voting districts to benefit a political party in power.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965 — Landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.
- Absentee Ballot — Method allowing eligible voters to vote without going to a polling place.
- Jim Crow Laws — State and local laws enforcing racial segregation and voter suppression in the US.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Check your local voter registration and election requirements.
- Visit votingissocialwork.org for additional resources and information.
- Consider volunteering as an election worker or helping others access accurate voting information.