It has been a busy year for voting rights, both at the federal and state levels. According to a recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice, states have passed a near-record number of new restrictive voting laws. These laws make it harder for eligible Americans to register, stay on voter rolls, or cast their ballots compared to existing laws.
By the end of May, 11 states had enacted 13 restrictive voting laws. Seven of these laws focused on limiting mail voting, while six involved stricter photo ID requirements. The states that passed these laws are Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
In a recent Supreme Court case—Allen v. Milligan—Alabama was required to redraw its Congressional districts to better represent Black voters. This ruling confirmed the importance of protecting voting rights and upholding key sections of the Voting Rights Act. There are currently 31 other active federal cases related to redistricting, highlighting the ongoing battle for fair representation.
The report reflects the continued efforts of state legislatures to change election laws, influenced by election denialism following the 2020 presidential election. These laws restrict voting rights by curbing access to mail voting and implementing stricter photo ID requirements. However, there have also been positive developments. Minnesota and New Mexico have enacted expansive voting laws this year, including automatic voter registration and restoration of voting rights for ex-felons.
Additionally, some states have enacted laws to address election interference. For example, Arkansas made it a crime for an election official to send an unsolicited mail ballot. Florida and Georgia have also enacted laws targeting election interference.
Approximately one-third of state legislatures are still in session, leaving room for additional voting bills to be enacted. This includes two election bills in Texas that focus on the elections process in Harris County.
The Brennan Center’s report serves as a reminder that protecting voting rights is an ongoing battle. It emphasizes the need for transparency, trust in the electoral process, and continued advocacy for fair and accessible elections. The fight for voting rights continues, with the collective engagement of citizens, lawmakers, and advocates playing a crucial role in shaping a more democratic future.
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