How to combat voter repression. As Election Day Approaches, Cases Of… | by Ingrid Liggayu | Voter
As Election Day approaches, voter suppression cases are emerging across the country and most significantly in Texas: a key state on the battlefield. Mail-in ballots became a popular voting option due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fears of postal delays following the elimination of funds from the United States Postal Service led counties to establish secure receiving mailboxes for voters to deposit absentee ballots and by mail. Just a month after Election Day, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an order limiting each county to one dropbox location. This forced Harris County, the largest county in Texas with more than 4.5 million residents, to close another 11 mailboxes. To put it in perspective, Harris County is the size of the state of Rhode Island.
If voting didn’t make a difference, there would be no such effort to restrict our right to. In a previous post, we covered how disenfranchisement happens in the US Below we compiled a step-by-step guide on how to combat voter suppression.
- Choose to vote by mail OR early in person
Polling places on Election Day can be busy so you can avoid crowds and longer wait times by voting on an earlier date or by mail. Both options also reduce your chances of experiencing voter intimidation. The private militias that were deployed in protests earlier this year are is likely to show up at polling places under the pretext of promoting public safety. Contemporary militias and voter intimidation are illegal and can be reported at 866-OUR-VOTE.
two. Protect your ballot by mail
It sounds simple enough but it will surprise you. with what ease your absent or mailed ballot may be disqualified. Make sure to use the correct ink color and fill the bubble as indicated. Triple check your ballot and envelopes for signing requirements. And before signing, please confirm that you are using the signature on your current driver’s license. Some states require additional documentation such as a photocopy of your ID and 2 witness signatures or notarization. And most importantly, turn in your ballot prior to Limit date. Ballots received after the cut-off will not be counted.
3. Monitor your voter registration
Between major elections, voter registration lists (or “voter lists”) are maintained by eliminating voters with duplicate names, who have passed away or moved, or who are recently ineligible to vote. This form of maintenance becomes unconstitutional when voters are removed from the lists of not participate in past elections or rely on inaccurate data.
Sign up to monitor your registration in Voterly. You will be notified if changes are made to your official registration status.
Four. Check your state’s photo ID requirements
More than 33 states require some form of identification in order to vote. Unfortunately, these laws have resulted in suppress the vote of minority communities they are less likely to have access to photo IDs. Anticipate and research what required for your state. While you’re at it, stay up-to-date on your state’s election laws changes can be made at any time.
5. Go to the polls
In the 2016 presidential election, an estimated 15 million eligible voters did not make it to the polls because they did not have a reliable form of transportation. Shared ride companies, Lyft Y Uber, launched initiatives to expand voter access by offering free or discounted rides to polling places or mailboxes on Election Day.
Also check your local government website for information on free or discounted fares via public transportation in your city. It must be done!