Related Articles
-Editorial
With the U.S. Presidential election just three weeks away and early voting already starting or about to commence in most states, voters are being reminded of the importance of having accurate and comprehensive information to ensure their votes are counted. As communities prepare to head to the polls, there are heightened concerns about the safety and security of election sites, ballots, and election officials. While some experts warn of emerging threats, others are working tirelessly to guarantee voter access and election integrity across the nation.
Ethnic Media Services recently held a briefing that brought together prominent national and local election experts to discuss key challenges and solutions for the upcoming election. The briefing covered topics such as the importance of voter registration, the impact of new state voting laws, and significant threats to the electoral process. The experts shared insights on how legislative changes could either facilitate or obstruct participation and offered a sobering perspective on political violence and its impact on election security.
Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, highlighted the importance of voting not just as a right but as a critical civic duty that shapes society. Stewart stressed that the leaders elected into office make crucial decisions that affect daily life, including policies on healthcare, employment, and climate change.
“Voting empowers better representation,” Stewart remarked during a recent interview. “It’s also an important civic duty, of course, in the United States and globally.” She pointed out that while national elections receive significant attention, local elections are often the ones that directly affect day-to-day life. Stewart noted that decisions at the local level, from school boards to city councils, often have a more immediate impact on community members.
She also connected the recent natural disasters in the U.S., such as hurricanes in the southern states, to the urgent need for elected leaders who can effectively address crises. “We saw just a couple of weeks ago the impact of hurricanes in the South, which not only affects communities directly but also has implications for our work and how elections are conducted,” she said. Stewart underscored that voting goes beyond individual interests, emphasizing its broader significance in representing the collective voice of entire communities.
In recent years, changes to voting laws have significantly shaped the electoral landscape in the United States. Andrew Garber, Counsel at the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, shared insights on the proliferation of voting-related legislation across the country. He noted a dramatic increase in the number of bills introduced and passed, which has led to a wave of both restrictive and facilitative voting laws.
Garber explained, “Over the last four years, we’ve seen an unprecedented rate of voting-related bills being introduced and passed throughout the country. At least 30 states have passed 78 restrictive voting laws, which in some way make it harder to vote.” The trend, he observed, represents a significant shift compared to previous election cycles. From 2016 to 2020, 27 restrictive voting laws were passed, while the previous period from 2013 to 2016 saw only 17 such laws enacted. This acceleration has heightened concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters.
However, not all legislative changes have been restrictive. Some states have introduced measures aimed at expanding access to the ballot, such as extending early voting periods, providing mail-in voting options, and implementing same-day registration. Garber emphasized the need to understand the impact of these changes on individual communities, noting that “it’s crucial to recognize how voting laws affect different populations because, ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that every eligible voter can participate without undue barriers.”
Robert A. Pape, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, addressed a less discussed but equally pressing issue: the rising threats of political violence connected to the election process. Drawing on over three decades of research on political violence, Pape painted a concerning picture of the current landscape, noting a historic rise in acts of violence targeting election workers and public officials.
“I’m delighted to be part of this important panel, but I’m also sorry to say that while voting is often seen as a happy topic, the issue of political violence is not,” Pape stated. He described the increasing danger to democracy posed by violent rhetoric and actions, particularly as it pertains to intimidating election officials and undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Pape cited several recent incidents in which election workers faced threats or harassment, stressing that the current environment is not only more dangerous than in past election cycles but also poses a long-term threat to democratic institutions. “We need to address this alarming trend with urgency,” he urged, calling for a concerted effort to safeguard the integrity of the election process by protecting those who administer it.
As early voting begins in various states, election experts and advocates continue to call for vigilance and transparency in ensuring free and fair elections. Community organizations are mobilizing to educate voters on their rights, navigate new voting requirements, and monitor for any irregularities at polling locations. Efforts to boost voter registration and participation are more important than ever, as the country stands at a crossroads in shaping its future.
The stakes are high, not only because of the policies and leaders that will emerge from this election but also because of the need to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democratic principles. The conversations among experts and advocates underscore the essential message: every vote counts, and it is the responsibility of both voters and officials to ensure that every eligible voice is heard and that the integrity of the election process remains intact.
As Stewart aptly put it, “Elections are a chance for us to stand up for what matters most. It’s not just about individual votes; it’s about what we want our communities and our nation to look like.” As Americans prepare to cast their ballots, the message is clear: the time to engage in the democratic process is now.
