Early Voting Hours: A Crucial Aspect of Voter Suppression
As the 2020 presidential election approaches, there has been much discussion about voter suppression tactics and efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen can cast their vote. One of the key ways in which voting rights are being threatened is through limited early voting hours. In this post, we will explore why early voting hours are so important and how they have become a tool for voter suppression.
Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots in person at designated polling places before Election Day. This can help alleviate long lines on Election Day and make it easier for people with busy schedules or transportation challenges to participate in the democratic process. Early voting hours vary by state, but many states offer several days or even weeks of early voting leading up to the election.
Unfortunately, some states have been implementing restrictive measures that limit early voting access, particularly for low-income communities and minorities who may face more obstacles when trying to vote. These measures include shorter early voting periods, fewer polling locations, reduced weekend hours, and strict ID requirements that can disproportionately affect certain groups.
One example of such restrictions is in Georgia where during the 2018 midterm elections a large number of predominantly African-American precincts were closed down resulting in longer wait times during Early Voting period than White majority precincts. The same happened during one day’s worth of Early Voting for primary elections earlier this year where only five counties out of over 150 had extended operating hours while others shut down after just normal business hours leaving working-class citizens unable to vote due them not having enough time outside work-hours.
Texas also provides an example as they recently passed laws reducing both days available for Early Voting as well as eliminating straight-ticket (single-party) votes forcing voters especially those from minority communities into waiting twice as long at polling stations compared with white districts.
These examples demonstrate how limiting early voting access can be a deliberate tactic used by politicians seeking to suppress the votes of certain groups. By making it more difficult for people to vote early, officials can create longer lines on Election Day, potentially discouraging voters who may not have the time or resources to wait in those lines.
Furthermore, limited early voting opportunities can also perpetuate a cycle of voter suppression. If individuals are unable to vote early due to restrictive measures, they may be less likely to vote at all since they will face even longer lines and wait times on Election Day. This could ultimately lead to lower voter turnout and less representative election results.
Early voting restrictions also disproportionately affect low-income communities and minorities who often have less flexibility with work schedules, transportation access and child care responsibilities that would enable them show up for voting during strict business hours. By limiting weekend Early Voting hours working-class citizens found themselves unable to make their voice heard as polling stations were closed by the time they got off from work.
In conclusion, early voting hours are a crucial aspect of ensuring fair access to the ballot box for all eligible voters. Restrictive measures that limit early voting access should be viewed as a form of voter suppression aimed at disenfranchising certain communities. As we approach this year’s critical elections in November we must remain vigilant against any attempts at suppressing our democratic right through such means because every voice matters when it comes down to electing leaders that shape our future!