In a democracy, the voices of all citizens matter. Voting empowers you to turn your ideas into real change for your community and the country as a whole. It’s also a way to help ensure that the government represents you and your needs.
While federal elections get the most attention, decisions that impact you every day are made by people elected at the state and county level. Things like the resources your school gets and your property taxes are decided at these levels. And while these are just a few examples, there are countless other issues that can be impacted by your vote.
When America first declared its independence from Britain, voting rights were based on property ownership and membership in a Protestant religion. By the time the 15 th Amendment guaranteed male universal suffrage, many states had dropped these requirements. But despite progress, many barriers to equal access remain.
In the wake of the election, in states across the nation, legislators introduced hundreds of new laws aimed at restricting voting rights. Many of these bills would have disproportionately affected minorities, young people, and other voters who support the Democratic Party. They were backed by the president’s patently false claim that Democrats had stolen the election through massive voter fraud.
Fortunately, we have the power to fight these efforts with legislation in Congress. In addition, states can use their own Voting Rights Acts to offer expanded protections and an avenue for voters to challenge these laws in court.