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Let People Vote: Removing Restrictions and Barriers to Voting in America

Sep. 4th, 2012 - Voter turnout in the 2008 election was the most racially diverse in American history, closing the longstanding gap between white and minority voter participation. And in response to this historic moment, lawmakers nationwide have erected more barriers to the ballot box. States are making it harder and harder for people to vote, virtually guaranteeing that many people won’t really have the right at all. Poll taxes and literacy tests have given way to more modern voter suppression tactics packaged as voter ID laws, restrictions to voter registration and cuts to early voting. With these new laws in effect, up to 5 million voters could be turned away at the polls in November. We cannot afford to have laws that push people out of the electorate. In order for this to be a true democracy, every eligible American must be able to vote. Read more »
VIDEO

Let People Vote (Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg)

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MAP

Voter Suppression Measures Passed Since 2011

Voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege. But right now across America, the right to cast a ballot is under attack. For the past century, voting rights advocates have fought, sometimes risking their lives, for each expansion of the franchise. View the map »
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RESOURCES

Know Your Voting Rights: State-by-State Voter Information

Every vote counts. Your right to vote is one of the most basic rights you have as an American. Many states’ rules have changed so make sure you know what you need to vote in your state this year. Start here »

BLOG

Challenges to Voter Suppression Laws

Voting rights are under attack in this country as politicians across the country pass voter restriction laws. These restrictions to voting take many forms and make it harder for eligible voters to exercise their most fundamental constitutional right. Read more »
INFOGRAPHIC

The Facts about Voter Suppression

Please help us get the word out about voter suppression. Share these important facts with your friends, and urge them to take action, too. View the Infographic »

INTERACTIVE

Planning to Vote this November?

New laws will result in untold numbers of eligible voters being turned away from the polls in November. Take the quiz to find out who and how many people will be impacted by these laws. Start here »
ACTION

Tell Attorney General Holder: Protect Every American's Right to Vote

Don't let America turn back the clock on the fundamental right to vote. Contact Attorney General Holder to thank him and to encourage him to stop these voter suppression tactics wherever they occur. Start Here »

 

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