Accusations of voter suppression tactics are commonplace, propelled into the spotlight by organizations, politicians, and their media supporters. This narrative has become so ingrained it’s seen by many as an undisputed fact.
Yet there’s always a missing element in “voter suppression” allegations: any evidence of voter suppression.
Real Suppression
The ugly history of genuine voter suppression in America is undeniable. We evolved from a country where once only white, male landowners could cast a vote, to one that encourages it for nearly all. Along that journey, people protecting their power tried to prevent people from exercising that right, using everything from threats to poll taxes to sneakery.
From the late 19th century through the 1960s, “literacy tests” were a common tactic in the Southern states. These tests, subjective and sometimes blatantly discriminatory, ensured white voters passed while black voters and other minorities were unjustly disqualified, irrespective of their actual knowledge.
We’ve passed that ugly part of our history books, yet some refuse to admit the pages have turned. Today, the specifics of “voter suppression,” when explained, are more likely to produce a “huh?” than outrage.
Fake Suppression
Voter ID laws stand at the forefront of these accusations. To most, these laws appear as a logical safeguard against fraud. Yet, the pushback is so forceful that, for instance, when I arrive at a polling place, admittedly in California, it’s unlawful for a poll worker to in any way ask for an identification unless that person has firsthand knowledge that I’m not who I say I am.
The charge is that, for some reason, ethnic minorities are somehow more likely to get through life without a government identification. Given the number of times I’m required to use mine, I find that odd. Even buying a beer from Target requires an ID, even from obviously-over-21 people like myself.
Ironically, minorities support a voter ID provision by 84%, versus white support of 79%. Overall, the people least supportive of these laws are white college-educated voters, who support them 65-33%. They’re apparently the most likely to believe the “too underprivileged to have an ID” argument.
English is considered by some to be a tool of suppression. My polling places and documents are festooned with languages from throughout the world, despite English being a requirement to become a U.S. citizen. The city of San Francisco, yes, I know, just appointed a Chinese national to serve on its Elections Commission under the banner of inclusivity.
Other supposed instances of unethical disenfranchisement? Refusals to expand poll times, cleaning voter rolls of usually non-existent people, or not letting felons vote. One “Jim Crow” law prevented campaigners from handing out food and drinks as people were waiting in line to vote.
It’s a tiresome game of whack-a-mole with a mole no one can see.
But Why?
The more cynical amongst us will charge that the opposition wants to encourage illegal voting behavior. The fight against voter ID certainly gives one pause. Yet most of the charges and supposed fixes go well beyond that.
Perhaps best explanation of this narrative comes from Glenn Loury, a Brown University professor and black conservative intellectual:
This narrative about voter suppression is perfect.
It melds perfectly with a victim-focused narrative of black struggle in America. ‘You see it’s not over, you see the Civil Rights Movement. They told you that the battle was won. … no, no, it’s not over, it’s never going to be over.’
Why is that au courant amongst progressives? Because they’re trying to win elections by mobilizing elements of the electorate to vote their way.
This isn't about principle. It’s a power play masked as a moral crusade.
–Ken
Anti-cheating election measures have morphed into “voter suppression” due to leftwing propaganda and the Leftists’ desire to win at any cost.
But … I keep coming back to why are some Constitutional rights treated so differently than others?
I mean … I have no problem with extensive background checks for citizens purchasing firearms, as long as we do the same for voters.
Better yet, perhaps we could make voting as easy as getting an approved business license.
Just some St. Patrick’s Day after food for thought …
Voter suppression is denial of Free Speech & Voting
See the Black Panthers during Obama admin for Voter suppression
2020 was pure Voter suppression for Dem: trash ballots, ballots arrive late etc
Voter Suppression is pure Power trip