Structural barriers to voting are obstacles that make it difficult for certain groups of people to register to vote or cast a ballot. These barriers can be intentional or unintentional, but they disproportionately affect marginalized communities, such as people of color, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities.
Types of Structural Barriers to Voting
1. Voter ID Laws:
Voter ID laws require voters to present a government-issued photo ID in order to vote. These laws have been shown to suppress voter turnout, especially among minority voters. A 2014 study by the Government Accountability Office found that strict voter ID laws could reduce voter turnout by 2-3%.
2. Restrictive Voter Registration:
Some states have restrictive voter registration laws that make it difficult for people to register to vote. These laws can include long registration deadlines, strict residency requirements, and limited access to voter registration services. For example, a 2016 study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that Georgia’s restrictive voter registration law reduced voter turnout by 5.4%.
3. Gerrymandering:
Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral districts in a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage. This can make it difficult for voters in certain communities to elect candidates of their choice. A 2017 study by the Public Interest Research Group found that gerrymandering in North Carolina reduced voter turnout by 2%.
4. Lack of Access to Polling Places:
Some communities have a lack of access to polling places. This can make it difficult for people to vote, especially if they have to travel long distances or take time off from work. A 2018 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 5% of Americans live more than a mile from the nearest polling place.
Impact of Structural Barriers to Voting
Structural barriers to voting have a significant impact on voter turnout and the representation of marginalized communities in government. A 2016 study by the Center for American Progress found that voter ID laws alone could reduce voter turnout by 5-10%. This study also found that restrictive voter registration laws reduced voter turnout by 3-6%.
Structural barriers to voting also make it more difficult for marginalized communities to elect candidates of their choice. A 2017 study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that gerrymandering in North Carolina reduced the number of black representatives in the state legislature by 3%.
Strategies to Overcome Structural Barriers to Voting
There are a number of strategies that can be used to overcome structural barriers to voting. These strategies include:
1. Expanding Voter Registration:
Making voter registration easier and more accessible can help to overcome structural barriers to voting. This can be done by extending voter registration deadlines, relaxing residency requirements, and providing more opportunities for voter registration.
2. Ending Voter ID Laws:
Voter ID laws are a significant barrier to voting, especially for marginalized communities. Repealing these laws would make it easier for people to vote and would increase voter turnout.
3. Reforming Gerrymandering:
Gerrymandering is a major problem that makes it difficult for marginalized communities to elect candidates of their choice. Reforming gerrymandering laws would help to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.
4. Increasing Access to Polling Places:
Increasing the number of polling places and making them more accessible can help to overcome structural barriers to voting. This can be done by opening more polling places, extending polling hours, and providing transportation to polling places.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for overcoming structural barriers to voting:
- Register to vote as early as possible.
- Check your voter registration status before the election.
- Make sure you have a valid photo ID if your state has a voter ID law.
- Find out where your polling place is located and make a plan to get there on Election Day.
- If you have any trouble voting, ask for help from a poll worker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when voting:
- Don’t wait until the last minute to register to vote.
- Don’t forget to bring your photo ID to the polls if your state has a voter ID law.
- Don’t give up if you encounter any problems voting. Ask for help from a poll worker.
Conclusion
Structural barriers to voting are a serious problem that makes it difficult for marginalized communities to participate in the political process. These barriers must be overcome in order to ensure that all Americans have an equal opportunity to vote and have their voices heard in government.
