The Truth About Voter Suppression
Before I get into any of the details, allow me to make an overarching observation. If you believe that you experience voter suppression, you are either an unthinking political partisan or … I hate to say … an idiot. There is not a mentally competent person in American who cannot “easily” cast a ballot – if they so desire.
For the better part of 200 years, Americans had to vote between the hours of six in the morning and six in the evening on Election DAY. Absentee voting was strictly for military and those infirmed. That was it. You also had to be a male and 21 years old until the passage of the 19th and 26th constitutional amendments, respectively.
To encourage more voter participation, states all across the nation passed laws to expand the opportunities to vote a LOT. There are now weeks – and even months – in which voters can cast their ballots at their convenience – including on weekends. That alone should dispel any fears of voter suppression.
If voters cannot get their arses to an early voting location in all that time, they are not voting because they do not want to vote … period.
But that is not the only way we have made it easier. The once limited absentee voting privilege has been expanded to a “no excuse” absentee voting. And tens of millions of Americans take advantage of that opportunity.
If you wish to vote but have not registered, you can register at the polling place on Election Day and cast what is called a “provisional ballot.” They are set aside to be verified after the fact. But to do that, you must present the same multiple forms of identification that you would if you had registered to vote earlier – in most cases, a photo ID.
More than ever, we have political, civic and religious organizations that volunteer to promote voter registration. They both encourage and assist voters in exercising their right to vote.
Voter suppression? It is arguably more difficult to not vote than to vote. Between the get-out-the-vote efforts and the extensive times and ways to vote, there is no excuse for not voting. There is no suppression.
No human activity can be carried out with perfection. There will always be mistakes and mischief. Voting systems and procedures are not different. And because vote fraud is among the most difficult crimes to prove and to identify the perpetrator — even when vote fraud is clear – it is essential that we create as safe a system as possible.
Wherever there is a weak point in the ballots “chain of custody,” you will find vote fraud. And yes, it does exist – and in some cases has resulted in stolen elections, mostly in local elections in major cities. Like murdered Blacks in segregated cities, the media does not pay much attention to local vote fraud. Yes, I know … I have heard the Democrats and their media cronies advancing the false narrative that election fraud simply does not exist. That is what the authoritarian class always says.
There are two facts that we need to take into consideration when assessing the left’s claim of voter suppression.
First … if suppression is so rampant – and if it hits hardest at minorities – how does one explain the SURGE in minority voting in recent years? Voter suppression REDUCES the number of voters – not increase.
Also, how does one square the claim that all those state election reform initiatives are a national Republican conspiracy when they also complain that it is happening in 47 states. Republicans do not control 47 states – and some of the measures have Democrat support back home.
Then it is necessary to look at the measures being enacted.
- Democrats complain that there is a closing – a consolidation of polling places. Well duh! That is because millions of Americans – in some cases, the majority of voters – are taking advantage of early voting and mail-in voting. Fewer and fewer are showing up at the polling places on the traditional Election Day. In the past elections, there were reports that as high as 70 percent of voters had cast their ballots BEFORE Election Day. (Just for the record, some of those long lines you see on television are from past elections, not 2018 or 2020. In other cases the lines “appeared” long because of social distancing and camera angle. That is what media propaganda looks like.)
- Democrats want to send out “live” ballots to ALL registered voters. That is an invitation for massive corruption. Democrats have introduced harvesting as the latest deceptive reform. Having millions of unrequested and unwanted ballots floating around WILL result in massive harvesting — vote fraud. It is the equivalent of displaying a banks’ vault combination in the window. Furthermore, they would send out ballots to the 21 million people (according to the liberal Pew Research) who are on the voting registers even though they are ineligible to vote and even dead – and millions of them voted in 2020. That is prima facia vote fraud.
- That also explains why Democrat legislatures had legalized vote harvesting – a tactic that has long been considered corruptive. That is why it was illegal in the first place. I guess if you legalize vote fraud, you can claim there is no illegal vote fraud.
- Democrats want to make permanent several voting procedures that were alleged to be TEMPORARY. This includes drive-by voting – which is logistically a nightmare, overly expensive and totally unnecessary. Also, all night voting – again logistically a nightmare, overly expensive and totally unnecessary.
- It should not take an Einstein to see how unguarded ballot drop boxes are a risk. They are about as secure as those clothing drop boxes. We already have a system for handling mail-in ballots. It is the United States Post Office – and they have many more locations.
- And then there is the Democrats’ opposition to voter ID. It – along with the refusal to remove ineligible voters from the register – clearly shows the Democrats do not want to fight vote fraud. The need for a photo ID is in no way a suppression of the vote. Very few people are without them – and if you lack the mental capability of acquiring a free one, you probably are not fit to vote.
Democrats and the left are making a serious attempt to nationalize our voting – taking control away from the states and giving it to an elitist-run government far from the reach of we the people.
That is the standard method of those who seek to make America a top-down – not a bottom-up – nation. God help us if they succeed in crushing the constitutional rights of the several states to run their own elections.
The new election safety laws are not a return to the Democratic Party election regulations in the old south., There, they violated laws and the Constitution to block Black voters. They used terrorism.
The only violation of the Constitution – and the rights of the people these days – is the Democrats taking away the right of the people of the states to determine their election laws and procedures. If the Democrats’ grand plan to have the federal government take control of elections – via HB1/SR1—I feel reasonably confident that the Supreme Court would strike it down. At least I hope so.
So, there ‘tis.
Larry,
“For the better part of 200 years, Americans had to vote between the hours of six in the morning and six in the evening on Election DAY. Absentee voting was strictly for military and those infirmed. That was it. You also had to be a male and 21 years old until the passage of the 19th and 26th constitutional amendments, respectively. “
You forgot for the better part of 200 years, you also had to be white. I’m sure it was a innocent oversight.
Your article focuses on how Democratic law makers have or are trying to make it easier to vote. But there is really no data to back up why Republicans are trying to make it harder to vote. It’s our Constitutional right to vote. It is imperative to our representative democracy that we have as many people vote as possible.
But ok, I purpose a compromise ! We can eliminate some of the early voting issues that you have concern about and in return, we make Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday Federal Holidays with paid time off to vote. We have two days off during the year to honor war, let’s also have two days off to honor voting.
One last thing, WHY would trump disband the Voting Fraud Commission he formed prior to them presenting their evidence? That was your golden opportunity to once and for all let the entire world know of the fraud. Republicans would have been the hero’s and the Democratic Party would have been utterly destroyed.
He blew a once in a life time opportunity… unless… well, never mind.
Hey moron Ben, the commission was disbanded when Democrat states chose not to cooperate and hand over voter information. Yes, it should have continued and the voter roles corrected (purged, in some cases) so only those legally able to vote could cast ballots. Without secure elections and procedures to vote, those with the legal right to vote end up being the ‘disenfranchised’. It takes an ID to do EVERYTHING in a civil society and getting one is easy, so that should be the first step to more secure elections. Getting rid of unguarded ‘drop boxes’, ballot harvesting and drive-by voting are also no-brainers. There is no need to make additional federal holidays, there are already 3 weeks of voting BEFORE election day – surely even low-IQ Dem voters can somehow find their way to the polls during that prolonged period.
Richard,
Wait, you’re telling me that Donny just gave up because the Democrats told him no? Dang, I knew he was a pansy, but I had no idea he was that weak.
Other 1st world democratic Countries are able to securely vote via Internet, surely we can come up with some safe way to vote on my computer. I can renew my drivers license online and through the mail, seems like voting should be just as easy. Not sure why you wouldn’t want as many people to vote as possible.
“But there is really no data to back up why Republicans are trying to make it harder to vote.”
The only people for whom voting has been made more difficult by the Republicans are illegals and the dead. Yes, I know, without them the Democrats cannot win an election, but that is too bad.
Lawrence — you’re aware of the old saying — “My parents didn’t vote Democrat until they were dead.”
Exactly.
Once again Mr. Dover ignores widely-accepted facts to fit his agenda. Blacks were constitutionally given the vote in 1865, but of course the Democrats continued to put up barriers to letting them do so. I witnessed it in South Carolina in the 50s.
Pretend Phil.
I am no Democratic loyalist. I am a progressive liberal. I have said over and over that statues of conservative southern Democratic slave holders be torn down and replaced with emancipating liberal republicans. And then we should teach our children in school of the evils perpetrated by CONSERVATIVE Democrats and how they were saved by LIBERAL republicans.
That’s something we can all get behind! What say you?
And you are somewhat correct, blacks were given the right to vote in 1865, but it took the civil rights act of the 1960’s for them to be able to over come the many barriers pUt in place to keep them from voting. I mean, think about that, that didn’t happen until my dad was in high school. I think that goes back to my original point of for most of 200 years, you also had to be white to vote. Thank you for backing up my point with a real life witness.
Tell the DEMOCRATS to quit CHEATING and come out with WORTHWHILE agendas (NOT “Left Wing” wish lists) and MAYBE – JUST maybe, people will vote for you. That is, if The People TRUST you (NOT!). One Enlightened Patriot. Team Trump And His Allies 2020 – MAGA (WE’RE NOT going away!).
The Communists – er, I mean the Democrats – know that their anti-American, anti-freedom, unconstitutional agenda cannot stand any scrutiny and will never win them any election, so they have to resort to cheating, which they have been doing for a long, LONG time.
Joey,
We have a worthwhile agenda . 80 million people voted for it. In fact , we have won the popular vote in all but one election in the last 30 years. Seems like republicans may be the ones with the agenda problem.
I am probably one of very few Americans that has actually read the new Texas voting laws in their entirety. The only thing I found in it that might prevent a minority from voting after church on Sunday was the 1:00 PM opening time of the polling places. One of the state congressmen has already stated that it could have been a typo, with the intended opening time two hours earlier, at 11:00 AM. Other than that one item, the rest of the bill seems to be even more fair to all than its previous iteration.
That being said, I have no problem with a Federal, rather than state, voting system as long as it requires a Federal Voter ID for every vote, either in person or remotely. Any mailed in ballot should have on it the number of the Federal ID card, and require a scanned or photographed image of the Voter ID card, or have a place on the ballot for a thumbprint. Those steps should reduce chances of fraud, and not be harder on any particular segment of the population.
“…That being said, I have no problem with a Federal, rather than state, voting system…”
I have a big problem with that, and so does the United States Constitution, which states very clearly that voting rules and regulations within each of the states are determined by the various state legislatures. The federal government has no authority to get involved in voting rules, which is why that bill currently in Congress is unconstitutional from first word to last. With that said, I agree with your sentiment and your ideas.
Exactly – where is the guy or gal who is experiencing this voter suppression. Please stand up and let us know how you’ve been suppressed. Really – where are the witnesses to this voter suppression story.
The Democratic/Socialist/Communist party [yes; they are ALL three] are banking on their repeated voicing of the “big lie” that claims the Republicans are attempting voter suppression; in hopes that the people start believing it to be the truth.
Well; in a way, the Republicans ARE for suppression: Suppression of illegal voting practices, that is.
To give you an idea of the rampant illegalities in the area where I live — I went to vote [in-person; a 5-minute walk]. When I arrived? The County Clerk himself stated that I had already voted via mail-in ballot! A ballot which I did not request, and would never request.
There should be a new ballot introduced for voting. A two page ballot with the top one being a carbon backed or other transferable film so your penned answers come out on the bottom one. then, tear off the bottom one to keep and turn in the other one. If there is hanky panky for cheating from the evil people, you can all produce YOUR copy for proof of your vote. This is the only way to keep the voting safe and secure.
everyone knows the dums cheated look how much they are trying to stop any recounts.
Ben you really need to get a life. Your commie bullshit is getting old
Dan,
I have a life! A lovely one at that. I have a wonderful life partner,4 amazing children, a job I love and makes a difference in my community… I couldn’t be happier.
You on the other hand seem like a bitter, tired old man, clinging to the past , who is afraid that the “lesser” among your world will soon be seen as equals.
I know this does not make a deference to you, but I’m not a commie, I’m a progressive Democratic socialist. I know that’s a lot for a con to wrap your little mind around, but thems the facts.
Feel free to not read or comment on my replies in the future.
Larry,
I see New Mexico Republicans are blaming articles that perpetrate the voter fraud narrative as a major Republican suppression tool. In other words, articles like this make it seem to Republican voters that there is no chance of a fair election, so why bother? This lead to Democratic landslide in their recent elections.
I just wanted to say thank you, Keep up the good work Larry!
Ben progressive democrat socialist. Communist. Same difference. And you mentioned a life partner. Is he better hung than you? You sound like a little bitch
Dan,
I’ve been called a lot of things, but never little and never a bitch… at least not to my face. I have a feeling you wouldn’t either. It’s easy to talk shit behind a keyboard, I’m sure your pace maker would kick in if you tried that in real life.
I didn’t figure the actual meaning of words meant to you. After all you are a trump supporter.
Ben I notice that you hide behind a key board. And I don’t have a pacemaker. If you’re saying that I’m a coward I would stand toe to toe with you anytime. If you are interested come to Amherst co Virginia and look me up. You commie asshole. I’m not hiding anything from anyone I also noticed that you didn’t deny that your “life partner “ is a male. Are you queer?
Dan,
Does it matter what sex my partner is? Does it make me less of a man in your eyes ?
How many times you been divorced?
Given your keyboard warrior mentality, I’d guess more than once.
I’ll be in Baltimore soon, I wouldn’t mind the extra drive. Where you want to meet? I’d love for you to explain your beliefs face to face.
Who had Italy using Satellite technology to remotely alter votes from trump to Biden on their Bingo card?
Ben you probably drive a dodge. That stands for dude on dude gay experience
Dan,
You and my 12 yr old would get along famously, you have the same maturity level.
And you guys wonder why you can’t win the popular vote for President any more.
Larry,
The quiet part was said out loud!
An Interesting tidbit of truth was accidentally shared.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton told Steve Bannon that Donald Trump would have lost the Lone Star State in the 2020 presidential election if Texans had been allowed to vote by mail.
Oops. Kinda blows your argument out of the water.
Ben I’m still married to my one and only wife So come to Idem va
So why would you be worried about who I spend my life with? Who I fuck doesn’t make you cum. I can’t understand why you’d concern yourself with what gender my life partner is. Pretty dang weird that you’d try to call me out on it.
I’m impressed that you are allegedly still on your first marriage. She must walk on egg shells to avoid your judgement and wrath. Congratulations if it’s true.
Ok Ben. Be queer and be happy. My wife also thinks that it’s a wicked perverted lifestyle. But we don’t think physically harming gays is right. We have a fag nephew
That’s awesome Dan.
I really don’t care what you and your wife think about my living arrangement.
Do you refer to your nephew as the fag to his face? Or just behind his back?
We don’t need to tell him Ben. He knows that he’s queer And as a family we love him but we don’t support his lifestyle. But we get along well with him.
Did you think I suggested you needed to tell him he was “ fag” ? Lol…
I’m sure he is really broken up his bigoted Uncle not “accepting” his lifestyle.
Fags are mentally ill or demon possessed. Possibly both
Dan,
I’ve heard the same thing said about conservatives. But you guys actually adversely impact many lives. Unlike what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home.
GOOD GOD … Ben and Dan. Thought the subject was imaginary voter suppression. You guys are using this site to carry on a personal debate that would be better suited for Facebook or Twitter. But just for the record. I do not like the use of pejoratives and I do not like their use — although I am a first amendment extremists, so I would never ban their use based on misguided and divisive political correctness. Those can be left to the locker room. On the matter of gayness, it tend to be more to the libertarian side of the conservative spectrum — which means I have no problem with gay relationships, including marriage. Just as I favor legalization of marijuana and prostitution. I see it as a conservative principle of personal freedom. I do not see where normalizing gay relationships is harmful to society. But I also respect the opinion of those who may have religious opinions about the gay lifestyle — as long as those opinions do not lead to violence or denial of constitutional rights. But that does not mean that I am in agreement with all of the gay political agenda. So, I give you two the advice that comes from a good bartender …. take you argument outside.
Larry,
Remember, Dan is a Republican, you can’t use big words with him.
This isn’t a first amendment issue. This is a PRIVATE website. The government has nothing to do with it. Feel free to do as you wish.
I like that you are for limited government interference in consenting adult’s lives. It really isn’t anyone’s business what goes on between consenting adults.
That being said, Dan’s bigoted and outdated biases have no place in today’s society. He has gone on a tirade because I married my high school sweet heart, had 4 children with her and have been married to her for 30 years, truly my life partner. He let his small mindedness get in the way of an actual conversation. He is indicative of today’s Republican voter. It was easy to expose him for what he is, And that’s why I’m glad this site paid for my email
address.
If I had known all it took for you to respond to me was carry on a needless, ever lasting thread with a bigot, I would have done it long ago.
Ok Ben and Larry. It’s true that gays don’t affect my life at all. And there’s plenty of gay republicans. Have you guys ever heard of the log cabin republicans? I don’t know where that came from. But I would quickly vote for a gay republican over a straight democrat. So Ben I hope that you are your family many wonderful years together. And I’ll end my comments by pointing out that God made Adam and Eve. Not Adam and Steve