As we approach Election Day Nov. 6, it is becoming more and more apparent that the Republican Party is willing to lie, cheat and steal in order to win. Because of the confusing and inconsistent voter registration laws across the 50 states, it is difficult for voters to become informed. However, many citizens recognize just how high the stakes are in this upcoming election and are making strides to educate themselves and their loved ones. These same people are realizing the issues they care about (for example: gun control, reproductive health, climate change) are worth fighting for and electing representatives who have pledged to fight on behalf of their constituents in their various state houses and in Washington, D.C.
As I read stories about secretaries of state from across the country expunging people from the voting scrolls (Indiana), making exact identification a requirement for eligibility to vote (South Carolina), tying up registration applications (Georgia), not upkeeping the websites intended to assist in voter registration (Florida) and removing a provision which allows those with a P.O. Box to register to vote (North Dakota), I am disheartened to know that our democratic principles and practices are yet again being frayed.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 began to level the playing field for marginalized communities across the country. As voting became more convenient for groups—for example, early voting, easier registration at the DMV or automatic registration in some states, or voting by absentee ballot—many communities saw an increase in participation, especially among African-Americans and groups who had previously been excluded from the voting sphere. However, a few years ago the Supreme Court decided that the Voting Rights Act had worked, it was outdated, and they voted to strip the nation of several parts of the law. The effects have been devastating for African-American communities, and that was clearly the intent. Because African-Americans tend to vote disproportionately for the Democratic Party, by making it harder for African-Americans (presumed Democrats) to vote, the partisan Supreme Court was actually making it easier for Republicans to win elections. Couple that with Republicans controlling state houses and the ability to redraw district lines every 10 years, and we now have a perfect storm of voter suppression across the nation.
This election season has also shown the unique ways in which Latino and indigenous people are being targeted to ensure their vote is diluted and discarded. Although the news is grim, we can overcome fraud by voting en masse. We can have a plan in action. We can research who to call if we witness something fishy on Election Day. We can support groups who are monitoring elections, or we can serve as election monitors and poll workers ourselves. This election is too important to just be a witness.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” the co-host of the new podcast FAQ-NYC and the host of The Aftermath on Ozy.com.