BLUF: Several new state election laws have been enacted that either restrict or expand voting access, with red states taking more restrictive measures and blue states expanding access, reflecting the trend of states going their own ways to protect voting rights due to the federal government’s lack of action. In Ohio, a new voter ID law requires in-person voters to show a non-expired ID with their name and photo, and imposes other restrictions on early voting, absentee ballot drop boxes, and deadlines. In Florida, a law imposes new restrictions on third-party groups that register voters, including increased fines and background checks, aiming to enhance election security but facing criticism for potentially hindering community-based voter registration efforts.
The article discusses how state legislatures have been shaping the rules that will govern the 2024 elections, with some states making it easier to vote and others making it harder. The Brennan Center for Justice has recorded 21 bills that restrict voting or interfere with election administration, while 23 bills that expand access to voting have been passed. The divide between red states and blue states in regulating election administration is becoming more pronounced, with red states becoming more restrictive and blue states becoming more expansive. Democracy reform at the federal level has been stymied by Republican opposition in the Senate, leading to states taking matters into their own hands.
Despite the less attention received by this year’s targeted elections laws compared to previous years, they are still expected to have a significant impact on the voting experience in the upcoming national election. Seven state election measures have been identified as having the biggest impact, including three bills that restrict voting, one that interferes with election administrators’ authority, and three that expand access to the ballot.
One of the highlighted measures is Ohio’s voter ID law, which was signed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine and requires in-person voters to show a non-expired ID with their name and photo. The law also imposes other restrictions, such as eliminating early voting on the Monday before Election Day, limiting the number of absentee ballot drop boxes, and shortening deadlines for ballot-related activities. Critics of the law argue that it will disproportionately affect young, elderly, and Black voters, as well as military personnel and overseas citizens, while not effectively addressing the type of fraud it aims to prevent.
Another significant measure is Florida’s voter registration law, signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, which imposes new restrictions on third-party groups that register voters. The law increases fines for noncompliance, tightens deadlines for submitting completed registration applications, prohibits noncitizens and individuals with certain felonies from handling applications, and restricts the use of contact information from registration applicants. Proponents argue that these changes enhance election security, but voting rights groups argue that they hinder voter registration organizations, especially smaller ones that serve marginalized communities.
These state election measures reflect the ongoing debate over voting rights and access, with states taking differing approaches based on partisan lines. While some aim to strengthen election security, others argue that they disproportionately impact certain communities and hinder voter registration efforts. The article points out the importance of these laws in shaping the voting experience and emphasizes the need for continued scrutiny and analysis.