The issue of voting rights, particularly the suppression of the African American vote, remains a critical topic that demands our attention. The history of voting in the United States is fraught with struggles and triumphs, especially for African Americans who have long fought for the right to participate fully in our democracy. Reflecting on this history and recognizing the ongoing efforts to protect and undermine the right to vote is imperative.
The fight for African American voting rights has been a long and challenging journey. Following the Civil War, the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, aimed to prohibit denying the right to vote based on race. However, discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes and outright violence have undermined the promise of the 15th Amendment, as these tactics are all designed to disenfranchise Black voters. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, with landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, that significant strides were made to secure voting rights for African Americans.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is often hailed as one of American history’s most compelling pieces of civil-rights legislation. It outlawed the discriminatory practices that had been used to disenfranchise African American voters and provided for federal oversight in areas with a history of discrimination. This act was pivotal in increasing voter registration and participation among African Americans, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive democracy.
Nevertheless, the struggle for voting rights is far from over. In recent years, there have been numerous efforts to roll back the protections the Voting Rights Act has afforded. The 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated a key provision of the act requiring jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws. This decision has led to a resurgence of state-level laws that disproportionately affect African American voters, including strict voter-ID requirements, purges of voter rolls and reductions in early-voting periods.
These measures, often justified under the guise of preventing voter fraud, have been shown to disproportionately affect minority voters, particularly African Americans. Voter-ID laws, for example, can be particularly burdensome for those without easy access to the necessary documentation. Similarly, purges of voter rolls can result in eligible voters being incorrectly removed, often without their knowledge. These tactics are part of a broader strategy to suppress the African American vote, undermining the democratic principle that every citizen should have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
To understand the depth of this struggle, we must remember the sacrifices made by civil-rights icons like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer.
Medgar Evers, a World War II veteran and field secretary for the NAACP, was assassinated in 1963 for his relentless efforts to end segregation and secure voting rights for African Americans in Mississippi. His dedication and ultimate sacrifice underscored the lethal resistance those fighting for equality faced.
Fannie Lou Hamer, a sharecropper from Mississippi, became a powerful voice in the fight for voting rights. Despite facing severe beatings, arrests and other forms of intimidation, Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and famously declared, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Her courage and advocacy helped shine a national spotlight on the systemic disenfranchisement of African Americans.
The effects of voter suppression are profound. A study the Brennan Center for Justice conducted reports that implementing strict voter-ID laws saw a significant drop in voter turnout, with minorities being especially affected. For instance, in states with strict voter-ID laws, African American turnout dropped by an average of 1.5 to 2 percentage points more than white turnout.
When eligible voters are disenfranchised, it skews the outcomes of elections and diminishes the legitimacy of our democratic institutions. Furthermore, it erodes public trust in the electoral process and perpetuates a sense of disenfranchisement and disillusionment among minority communities. This is not just an issue for African Americans; it is an issue for all Americans who value the principles of fairness and equality.
To stay vigilant and proactive in protecting the right to vote, it is crucial to advocate for policies that expand access to the ballot such as automatic voter registration, expanded early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. It also means opposing efforts to enact restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect minority communities.
Moreover, educating and mobilizing voters is essential. Public-awareness campaigns can help inform citizens about their rights and how to protect them. Community organizations and advocacy groups are vital in providing resources and support to ensure every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process. Civic engagement and voter education are powerful tools in the fight against voter suppression.
As we look to the future, the words of the late Congressman John Lewis serve as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility: “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.” The African American community must heed this call and take their vote seriously. Voting is a right and a duty to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died for this privilege. It is a means to influence policies, to elect leaders representing our interests and to ensure our voices are heard in the halls of power.
In conclusion, the right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. The suppression of the African American vote is not just a historical issue but an ongoing challenge that requires our collective action. Let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting this fundamental right for all citizens. By standing together and advocating for fair and inclusive voting practices, we can ensure that our democracy truly reflects the diverse voices of our nation. This is a call to action for all Americans to uphold the principles of equality and justice that form the bedrock of our democratic society.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.