Voting rights 50 years later – the fight remains

August 6, 2015 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act which was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. Its aim was to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented people from exercising their right to vote. But, during the last 10 years, many Republican controlled states have instituted barriers to curb the voting rights of minorities, students and the elderly.

Using the guise of voter fraud, state legislators are trying to enact hundreds of laws that deny or abridge voting rights of American citizens. As Heather Gerken, a Yale Law Professor, put it, “It’s a death-by-a-thousand-cuts strategy.”

Some states are making it harder for citizens to register. Others are requiring additional forms of documentation or ID. Still, some are terminating or reducing the registration periods, voting hours and voting locations. And some are attempting to gerrymander districts to their advantage.

It is uncertain which of these restrictions will still be in place for the elections ahead but our greatest response to stop voter suppression is to register to vote early and vote on Election Day.

On September 22, 2015, United Steelworkers will join with other progressive groups to celebrate democracy in America with “National Voter Registration Day.”

To stay on top of USW’s pursuit of democracy for all by protecting our right to vote, text VOTE50 to 47486 to get period updates and info from your union. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting STOP or get help by texting HELP. Click here for terms and conditions. 

Recent Documents that Highlight Voting Barriers

The Wrong Way to Fix the Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act Is 50 Years Old Today. So Why Do Things Still Seem So Bad?

Voter Suppression: How Bad? (Pretty Bad)