Page Subject Facts, Analysis, And Opinion About Current Top ✓ Solved
1-page subject facts, analysis, and opinion about current topic
1-page subject facts, analysis, and opinion about a current topic pertinent to American Government.
Topic: What is the subject matter?
Facts: What are the principal facts?
Analysis: from source/author?
Opinion: from you.
Paper For Above Instructions
The current topic pertinent to American Government I will analyze is the ongoing debate surrounding voting rights in the United States. This subject has gained significant relevance as states introduce various legislations that either expand or restrict voting access. The focus of this analysis will be on the Voting Rights Act and recent developments in several states regarding voter identification laws.
Subject Matter: Voting Rights in the United States
Voting rights in America have a long and complex history, with significant milestones including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans and other minority groups. However, the landscape of voting rights remains contentious, particularly in the wake of the 2020 Presidential Election, which has seen a resurgence of discussions around voter suppression and electoral integrity (Levinson, 2021).
Principal Facts
A number of significant facts form the backdrop of the current debate on voting rights:
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), voter turnout in the 2020 election was at its highest level in 100 years, with about 66.7% of eligible voters participating.
- Numerous states have since proposed or enacted laws requiring stricter identification requirements for voters. For instance, Georgia passed a law in March 2021 requiring voters to present a government-issued ID to vote in person (Kahn, 2021).
- Opponents of these laws argue that they disproportionately affect minority groups, the elderly, and low-income voters, who may not have easy access to ID and other voting resources (Choma, 2021).
Analysis from Sources
An analysis from the Brennan Center for Justice reveals that over 400 bills restricting voting access have been introduced in states across the U.S. in 2021 alone (Brennan Center, 2021). This surge in legislation has been characterized by advocates as a direct response to unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election. Notably, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced concerns that these laws threaten to disenfranchise millions of voters (ACLU, 2021).
Moreover, the Supreme Court's ruling in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021), which upheld Arizona's voting restrictions, illustrates a significant judicial backing for such legislations. Critics argue that this decision undermines the protections originally established by the Voting Rights Act (Tushnet, 2021).
Opinion
In my opinion, the current trajectory of voting rights in the United States is alarming. The introduction of stricter voting laws appears to be less about ensuring electoral integrity and more about political maneuvering to suppress voter turnout among groups that traditionally lean Democratic. While the rhetoric surrounding "election integrity" is often emphasized, the reality is that these laws create more barriers than safeguards, ultimately undermining the democratic process that our nation stands for.
I believe that access to the ballot is a fundamental right that should be protected for all citizens regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation. The government must take action to safeguard this right by opposing restrictive voting laws and promoting measures that encourage voter participation, such as automatic voter registration and expanded early voting (Pew Research Center, 2021).
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding voting rights is critical to the future of American democracy. As various states forge ahead with legislations that impose stricter voting requirements, it is crucial for citizens and advocacy groups to remain vigilant and engaged in ensuring that the right to vote is preserved and expanded for all Americans.
References
- American Civil Liberties Union. (2021). The ACLU's Opposition to Voter ID Laws. Available at: [ACLU website link]
- Brennan Center for Justice. (2021). The 2021 Voting Bills: A State-by-State Analysis. Available at: [Brennan Center website link]
- Choma, R. (2021). Voter ID Laws: Impact on Minority Voter Turnout. Journal of Political Science. Available at: [journal link]
- Kahn, J. (2021). Georgia’s New Voting Law: What You Need To Know. NPR. Available at: [NPR website link]
- Levinson, S. (2021). Voter Suppression and the 'Big Lie.' Harvard Law Review. Available at: [Harvard Law Review link]
- Pew Research Center. (2021). Voter Participation in the 2020 Election. Available at: [Pew Research Center website link]
- Tushnet, M. (2021). Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee: Implications for Voting Rights. Yale Law Journal. Available at: [Yale Law Journal link]