Truthout
Voting Wrongs
We expose the injustices that deny the vote to millions — and cover the fight for true enfranchisement.
Series Introduction
In name, the United States is a democracy, but in practice, many millions of people are disenfranchised — whether because of felony convictions, undocumented status, onerous state and local voting restrictions, or other structural barriers. Partisan, racist gerrymandering manipulates districts, stifling the voting power of whole communities. Meanwhile, archaic mechanisms like the Electoral College prevent the votes of all people from being truly counted. Fortunately, activists around the country are working hard to gain the ballot — and make it count — for everyone in this country. This series, “Voting Wrongs,” exposes the injustices that disenfranchise vast numbers of people — and the bold efforts that seek to transform the way the United States does “democracy.”
The Supreme Court Asks Why It Shouldn’t Gut the Voting Rights Act
We may well see the elimination of the 11 Black-majority districts — all Democratic — in GOP-controlled Southern states.
Democrats Are Struggling to Block Trump’s Texas Power Grab
“When you can’t win fairly, you cheat, and that is exactly what this is,” a civil rights advocate said of Trump’s ploy.
Texas Plays Cynical Racial Gerrymandering Game to Save House Majority for Trump
Trump’s Justice Department gave political cover for Gov. Greg Abbott to mingle gerrymandering with disaster relief.
The Supreme Court Delayed a Ruling That Could Shape Voting Rights Across the US
The court’s choice to punt a key redistricting case signals trouble for the future of the Voting Rights Act.
State Voter Suppression Bills Could Disenfranchise Millions Ahead of Midterms
Trump’s crackdown on immigrants has fueled legislation to restrict access to the ballot in more than two dozen states.
The SAVE Act Is Not Just About “Married Women” — It’s About Trans People, Too
A bill passed by the House last week could disenfranchise millions, including most trans people, if it becomes law.
Trump Assumes Unheard-of Powers in Ordering Federal Overhaul of Elections
His order on voter policy could disenfranchise millions, but multiple lawsuits have already sprung up to challenge it.
Illinois Bill Would Restore Voting Rights to Thousands of Incarcerated People
Encouraging participation in democratic processes will do more for public safety than disenfranchising people ever will.
GOP Gerrymandering in NC “Tipped the Scales” of Congress, Outgoing Lawmaker Says
“The MAGA Republicans in Raleigh … didn’t care about reflecting the will of the people,” Rep. Wiley Nickel wrote.
Noncitizens Can’t Vote — 8 States Just Passed Amendments Forbidding It Anyway
The amendments created confusion and could be used to intimidate naturalized citizens or citizens with foreign parents.