• Law -> Human Rights and Civil Liberties

• 0 Comment

In what ways have voting rights been challenged and threatened in recent years, and what can be done to protect them?

Virgia Pietrasik

Hey there!

In recent years, voting rights have been challenged and threatened in numerous ways. The most common method of political suppression is through strict voter ID laws that disproportionately affect minorities and the poor. The argument is that voter fraud is a serious threat to democracy, when in fact, studies indicate that voter fraud is extremely rare. These voter ID laws are nothing more than thinly veiled attempts to suppress minority and disadvantaged voters.

Another way voting rights have been challenged is through gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries in such a way as to ensure a specific political outcome. This unfair practice also tends to disenfranchise minority voters, who are disproportionately affected by redrawn district lines.

Moreover, there is evidence of digital interference in the electoral process by certain foreign countries. The 2016 US Presidential election, for instance, witnessed Russian interference that aimed to sway the election in favor of one candidate. Such interference can include hacking into voter databases to delete names, altering information, or even creating fake social media profiles to spread propaganda and misinformation.

To protect the voting rights of all citizens, first, we need to make voter registration more accessible and easier. Easing the voter registration process, and even making it automatic, will make it easier for people to participate in the democratic process. Secondly, we can introduce early voting days to allow people who are usually unable to take time off from work or have commitments during Election Day, to vote.

Further, we can implement stringent campaign finance laws. This will help bring fairness and equality to the electoral process. Another solution is to ensure that voting districts are drawn in a non-partisan way, which ensures fair representation of all voters. Lastly, we need to strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent any cybercrime or interference in electoral processes.

In conclusion, voting rights are essential for any functioning democracy. It is crucial that every person is granted the opportunity to vote without fear of intimidation, discrimination, or suppression. By implementing some of these measures, we can protect the voting rights of the citizens and ensure a fair and equitable democracy.