Explore the evolving landscape of voter rights, a cornerstone of democratic participation. This section delves into legislation, court decisions, and advocacy...
Voter rights encompass the legal entitlements that allow eligible citizens to register, cast a ballot, and have that vote counted fairly, free from undue obstruction or discrimination in elections.
Key federal protections include the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlaws discriminatory voting practices, and the National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Act), designed to make voter registration more accessible.
Voter suppression refers to tactics, often legal and implemented through state laws, that make it more difficult for certain eligible groups to register, cast a ballot, or have their votes counted, potentially influencing election results.
Generally, U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old by Election Day, meet state residency requirements, and are not currently serving a felony sentence or deemed mentally incapacitated, are eligible to vote.