No Comments

Empowering Voters: Essential Strategies to Ensure Your Vote Counts Amid Election Threats

Empowering Voters: Essential Strategies to Ensure Your Vote Counts Amid Election Threats

Magazine, The Immigrant Experience

As the presidential elections approach in just three weeks, with early voting already underway in many states, the importance of accurate and comprehensive information cannot be overstated. This crucial period emphasizes the need for every eligible voter to ensure their voice is heard, particularly amid rising concerns about the safety and integrity of the electoral process.

To address these pressing issues, Ethnic Media Services (EMS) recently hosted a vital briefing that brought together leading national and local election experts. The panel engaged in a deep discussion on critical topics, including the registration of eligible voters, the implications of new state voting laws, and the significant threats to conducting safe and secure elections.

Key speakers at the briefing included distinguished experts in the field of voting rights. Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, underscored the essential nature of voting as a civic duty and a means of empowerment. She emphasized that voting is not merely an individual act but a collective responsibility that shapes the future for communities and the next generation.

Andrew Garber, Counsel at the Voting Rights and Elections Program, provided vital insights into legal protections for voters, explaining how these can be leveraged to combat barriers to voting. Robert A. Pape, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, shared important research findings on voter behavior and the political landscape that can significantly affect turnout. Lastly, May Tiwamangkala, Democracy Defender Director at Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander for Equity, addressed the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and highlighted the efforts being made to ensure their active participation in the electoral process.

During the briefing, several critical themes emerged. Celina Stewart articulated the importance of voting for achieving better representation and impacting significant issues such as healthcare, jobs, and climate change. She stressed the need for voters to engage not only for themselves but also on behalf of those unable to vote.

Stewart also introduced resources like Vote411.org, a comprehensive platform designed to help voters find information about their registration status, polling locations, and candidates on their ballots. The site features a new campaign finance tool aimed at increasing transparency around who funds candidates, fostering informed voting decisions.

Amidst rising misinformation in recent election cycles, Stewart discussed the Democracy Truth Project, which aims to counter myths and restore trust in the electoral process by equipping voters with accurate information to navigate potential disinformation.

The experts reviewed recent changes in state voting laws, noting both facilitating and hindering aspects of voter participation. Understanding these laws is crucial for voters to effectively navigate the electoral landscape. They also emphasized the importance of not only registering to vote but also keeping registration information up to date, warning about potential voter roll purges that could disenfranchise eligible voters.

As the election draws nearer, it is vital for voters to stay informed and proactive. The EMS briefing served as a clear call to action: voters must check their registration status, understand the voting laws in their state, and utilize available resources. With ongoing threats to the electoral process, every effort counts to ensure that all voices are heard and that the upcoming elections truly reflect the will of the people.

Andrew Garber, a representative from the Brennan Center for Justice, addressed the pressing issue of recent changes in state election laws. He underscored the critical need for voters to comprehend how these legislative adjustments affect their ability to participate in the electoral process, especially as restrictions continue to escalate.

Garber pointed out that in the last election cycle, 30 states enacted a staggering 78 restrictive voting laws—almost double the number introduced in the previous eight years. He noted that a significant focus of these laws was on mail voting, which surged during the 2020 elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic. States were now implementing measures that disproportionately targeted communities of color. A poignant example could be found in Georgia, where new legislation specifically sought to limit access to mail voting, following a notable increase in its use by voters of color.

In his remarks, Garber described these contemporary voting restrictions as employing subtle yet effective tactics, leading to what he referred to as “death by a thousand cuts.” These measures did not outright ban voting but instead created a myriad of obstacles that complicated the process. He highlighted examples such as shortening the timeframe to request mail ballots and reducing early voting opportunities. These changes could result in longer lines at polling places, presenting significant challenges for those who might require assistance while voting.

During the discussion, Garber delved deeper into the broader implications of these changes, shedding light on how they shaped the voting experience for individuals nationwide. He emphasized the profound challenges posed by these recent restrictions, particularly for low-income voters, individuals with disabilities, older voters, and those with caregiving responsibilities. The longer lines at polling places—an unfortunate consequence of these restrictions—could deter individuals from voting. Faced with extended waits, many potential voters might feel they could not afford the time to stand in line, perpetuating a cycle of disenfranchisement that increasingly affected marginalized communities.

Garber cautioned that mail voting was not the only area where restrictions were tightening. He raised alarms about a broader trend of legislation making it more difficult to register and vote. This included limitations on voter registration drives, shortened registration deadlines, and constraints on local election officials’ ability to implement policies that facilitated access to the ballot.

Yet, amid these challenges, Garber offered a glimmer of hope. He noted that while some states had adopted restrictive laws, many others were enacting measures to enhance voting access. In the past four years alone, at least 41 states had passed a remarkable 168 laws aimed at facilitating the voting process. Innovations such as automatic voter registration were becoming more prevalent, enabling voters to register seamlessly when interacting with government agencies.

Garber highlighted the positive strides made by states like New York and Michigan, which had adopted laws expanding access to mail voting. He also acknowledged efforts in states like New Mexico and Nevada, where initiatives were in place to assist Native American voters confronting unique challenges.

In summary, Garber’s insights painted a nuanced picture of the current voting rights landscape. While it presented significant challenges, there was a growing awareness among states about the need to facilitate access to the ballot. He called on voters to remain informed about their rights and any potential changes as the elections approached. Garber urged everyone to actively check their registration status, carefully plan their voting methods, and remain vigilant in safeguarding their voting rights.

Raymond Tyler expressed concerns about the rising sentiment of rejecting election results and the potential for fraudulent challenges to legitimate outcomes. He highlighted the frustration of hearing calls for uprisings against election results and asked what plans are in place to combat this troubling trend.

In response, a panelist reassured attendees that various organizations and groups are preparing for the possibility of legal disputes following elections. This is a common occurrence, particularly when candidates or parties contest results. Historically, such legal challenges can be part of the electoral process, as seen in the aftermath of the 2020 elections, where the Trump campaign filed over sixty lawsuits, most of which were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

The panelist emphasized the robustness of the U.S. election system, explaining that it is designed to address disputes through its established court processes. They pointed out that election certification is a ministerial task, meaning election officials are required to certify results as a standard procedure, without discretion. While there are provisions for audits and recounts, attempts to bypass certification could lead to chaos.

One notable incident involved the Georgia State Election Board, which attempted to allow local officials to forgo certifying the election. However, a court ruled that such a move was invalid, reaffirming that election officials must fulfill their certification duties. This exemplifies how existing legal frameworks are currently functioning to uphold election integrity against attempts to undermine the process.

The panelist concluded by reiterating the importance of maintaining the legal safeguards that ensure elections are conducted fairly and transparently, assuring attendees that preparations are in place to address any fraudulent claims or disruptions to the electoral process.

Professor Robert Pape addressed the escalating concerns surrounding the safety of election workers and the alarming rise in political violence as the upcoming elections approached. He emphasized that while voting is typically seen as a hallmark of civic engagement, the current atmosphere is overshadowed by serious threats and acts of violence.

Drawing on over 30 years of expertise in studying political violence, Pape noted a significant increase in threats against election workers and political figures in the United States. He identified a disturbing trend that emerged during the Trump presidency and has continued to escalate. This uptick includes politically motivated attacks such as the Tree of Life shooting in 2018, the El Paso shooting in 2019, and the Buffalo shooting in 2022. Though these incidents targeted different ethnic groups, they were fueled by a common far-right conspiracy theory known as the Great Replacement, which posits that the white population is being replaced by other ethnicities.

Pape highlighted specific threats linked to the upcoming elections, including attempted assassinations of prominent political figures like Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama. The rise in threats against members of Congress from both political parties has reached alarming levels. His research at the University of Chicago’s Project on Security and Threats revealed a five-fold increase in prosecutions for threats against Congress members since 2016, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

In his analysis, Pape stressed that public support for political violence is a critical factor in its prevalence. He argued that when a substantial portion of the population endorses or legitimizes violent actions, it emboldens those with volatile tendencies to act, believing their actions will be supported or celebrated.

Pape’s ongoing research includes quarterly surveys that track public sentiment around political violence, revealing concerning levels of support for violence among both pro-Trump and anti-Trump sentiments. This statistic highlights the urgency of addressing these issues as the nation approaches a pivotal election season.

Ultimately, Professor Pape urged governors and officials in swing states to take proactive measures to safeguard election workers and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, acknowledging the heightened risks associated with the current political climate. He highlighted a troubling statistic: 15 million Americans actively support political violence for Trump, while an additional 42 million remain ambivalent, potentially swayed toward violence if their candidate loses. This creates a volatile environment where the stakes are particularly high, with a significant portion of this group possessing the capability to enact violence—about a third own firearms and maintain connections with militia groups.

The belief in the Great Replacement theory—accusing the Democratic Party of deliberately replacing white voters with “obedient” voters from other countries—correlates strongly with support for violence. Those who subscribe to this ideology are seven times more likely to endorse violent actions in support of Trump. Similarly, sentiments of racial resentment, particularly towards policies like affirmative action, increase the likelihood of individuals supporting violent measures to restore Trump’s presidency.

As the electoral landscape shifts, election officials are becoming key targets. Pape underscored the critical importance of the counting and certification of votes, especially following the January 6th insurrection. The immediate danger extends beyond election day to the ballot tabulation process in swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, where even a small percentage of destroyed ballots could lead to chaos in determining election outcomes.

Despite these grim prospects, there is a silver lining. Pape noted that a significant majority of the public—over 70% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats—oppose political violence. He advocated for a proactive approach in which political leaders redirect public anger towards constructive outlets, particularly voting, rather than allowing it to fester into violence.

He stressed the urgency for bipartisan cooperation among governors in swing states to enhance protections for election workers and to issue joint statements condemning political violence. By leveraging the influence of ethnic media and political leadership, Pape believes there is an opportunity to mitigate the risks of political violence in an already tense electoral season.

May Tiwamangkala, Democracy Defender Director at Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander for Equity  representing Arizona NHPI for Equity, provided an overview of her organization. Established in 2019, Arizona NHPI for Equity is the only organization in the state dedicated to enhancing civic engagement among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. May pointed out that prior to their founding, there was no organized effort to reach out to these communities to provide essential information about civic participation.

She elaborated on the organization’s mission, which focuses on developing young leaders and educating voters about electoral processes. This is achieved through various strategies, including tabling at community events, sending out informational mailers, utilizing digital ads, canvassing door-to-door, and conducting phone and text banking. Importantly, May noted that materials are available in Chinese and Vietnamese, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Arizona’s population based on census data.

Addressing the current political climate, May discussed a significant legal challenge her organization is involved in: a lawsuit against the state of Arizona concerning two voter suppression laws passed in 2022. She explained that one law imposes additional requirements for proof of citizenship to register to vote, while the other empowers county recorders to suspect voters of being non-citizens and purge their names from voter rolls if they fail to provide the requested documentation within 35 days. May emphasized that these laws disproportionately affect naturalized citizens, many of whom may not have the necessary documentation readily available.

May provided context on the severe voter registration requirements in Arizona, describing them as the most stringent in the nation. She highlighted a troubling statistic: the state recently purged approximately 98,000 voters who registered before 2004, many of whom were citizens that had not provided proof of citizenship. In fact, an analysis revealed that only one individual on the voter rolls was a non-citizen, and that person had never voted. This, she asserted, demonstrates that the narrative of non-citizen voting is largely a scare tactic employed by certain politicians and media outlets to sow division.

Continuing her presentation, May shifted to discuss another significant obstacle: felony disenfranchisement. Arizona ranks among the highest states in terms of incarceration rates, with about 235,000 individuals disenfranchised, accounting for nearly 5% of the voting-age population. She highlighted that the disenfranchisement rate is particularly high among Black and Hispanic communities, making Arizona the second highest state for Latino disenfranchisement. May stressed the importance of addressing these racial disparities, especially as the ANHPI population continues to grow in the state.

In discussing the grassroots efforts of Arizona NHPI for Equity, May shared their strategy of celebrating ANHPI talents, arts, and culture to foster civic pride and diversity. By investing in local AAPI talent, the organization aims to promote a multiracial, multicultural democracy that values all cultures and backgrounds. She noted that they send reminders to BIPOC voters regarding key election dates and provide crucial information about the voting process.

However, May expressed concern about the rise of anti-immigrant narratives, particularly as voters prepare for upcoming elections. She highlighted a ballot measure that would allow state departments to suspect individuals of being non-citizens and demand proof of citizenship on the spot, which could lead to increased policing and potential disenfranchisement.

Finally, May acknowledged the challenges faced in expanding civic engagement within the community, particularly due to the polarized political climate in Arizona. She urged community members to be courageous in overcoming the anti-immigrant sentiment pervasive in the state, noting that many individuals are hesitant to engage politically for fear of jeopardizing personal relationships. Additionally, rising living costs and inflation have contributed to voter apathy, as many feel that the government is not addressing their concerns.

In conclusion, the event highlighted the essential work being done by grassroots organizations like Arizona NHPI for Equity to empower communities, protect voting rights, and promote active participation in the democratic process. The speakers underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in navigating the complex landscape of voter engagement and advocacy in Arizona.

#ElectionWorkers #PoliticalViolence #VotingRights #GreatReplacement #ElectionIntegrity #VoterSafety #CivicEngagement #PoliticalExtremism #BipartisanCooperation #SwingStates #ElectionSecurity #PublicSupport #ThreatAssessment #Vote2024 #VoterMobilization #CivicResponsibility #RacialResentment #GunOwnership #PoliticalLeadership #ViolencePrevention #ElectoralProcess #ProtectDemocracy

You might also like

More Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed

Menu