Project Vote’s mission has always been to increase voter participation among underrepresented groups, and ensure that the American electorate truly represents the American people. Today, I want to draw your attention to a new article—and a new piece of research—that confirms just how important this work truly is.
In Saturday’s Washington Post, Dan Balz wrote about a new book, Who Votes Now? Demographics, Issues, Inequality, and Turnout in the United States. In the book, Jan E. Leighley of American University and Jonathan Nagler of New York University highlight the dangers of the persistent bias in America’s electorate.
As Balz writes, “[the book’s] most important finding, the authors say, is that, on crucial questions about economic policy and redistribution, those who vote do not represent the views of those who do not vote.”
As we enter yet another election year, this ongoing issue must once again move to forefront of our national discussion. As always, our firm belief at Project Vote is that the most important thing we can do is make sure that all eligible Americans can register to vote. In 2014, Project Vote will be ramping up our efforts to achieve this goal. We’ll be supporting voter registration efforts around the country, working to ensure that states are complying with their registration responsibilities, and fighting laws that make it harder for eligible Americans to become registered voters.
We look forward to continuing this important conversation throughout 2014, and we will keep you posted on how you can support our efforts to achieve an electorate that accurately reflects the views and values of all Americans.
Photo by Steve Rhodes via Creative Commons