Fighting Voter Suppression Schemes
Voter caging is the practice of sending mass direct mailings to registered voters by non-forwardable mail, then compiling lists of voters, called “caging lists,” from the returned mail in order to formally challenge their right to vote on that basis alone. Armed with no other evidence than returned mail, partisan operatives abuse state laws to file targeted mass challenges to voters.
Conducted under the auspices of voter list maintenance or “ballot security,” voter caging has largely been used by partisan forces to disenfranchise large numbers of minority voters.
Although public awareness of voter caging is relatively new, partisans have engaged in the practice on state and nationwide levels since the 1950s, culminating in an unprecedented number of voter caging operations across the nation in 2004. These efforts put hundreds of thousands of eligible voters at risk in the 2004 election, and resulted in a number of lawsuits.
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NC NAACP v. NC SBOE: U.S. Statement of Interest
U.S. Department of Justice submitted this statement of interest in NC NAACP v. NC SBOE, a case concerning wrongful purging of the voter rolls in North Carolina in violation of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Voter Empowerment Act would Improve Elections for Both Voters and Officials
Today, the Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) was introduced in the House of Representatives. Estelle Rogers, legislative director for Project Vote,... Read more
Voter Empowerment Act would Improve Elections for Both Voters and Officials
Today, the Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) was introduced in the House of Representatives. Estelle Rogers, legislative director for Project Vote, issued the following statement in support of this important legislation. Read more
Project Vote Applauds Introduction of Bi-Partisan Bill to Restore the Protections of the Voting Rights Act
Today, Congressmen James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI), and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), introduced a bipartisan update to the Voting Rights Act. Read more
Voting Rights Act Ruling a Setback for Our Great Democracy
Today’s ruling is a significant setback for voting rights in our great democracy. The Voting Rights Act remains one of the most important achievements of the civil rights movement, and for almost 50 years has been a vital tool to protect real voters from losing their right to cast a ballot. Read more
Court Rules RNC Can’t Suppress Voters
A three-judge panel has rejected the RNC's request to void an agreement over voter caging and other voter suppression activities. Read more
Tea Party, GOP Groups, Target Minorities for Voter Suppression Schemes
As the hotly contested November election nears, it should be no surprise that voter intimidation and suppression schemes are ramping up too. Even beyond the usual partisan pre-election hysteria, this year the Tea Party has made "voter fraud" a rallying cry. Read more
Voter Fraud Vigilantes: The Questionable Legality of Voter Challenges
On Monday, we blogged about the Tea Party’s alleged voter suppression efforts in Wisconsin. The Tea Party’s plan reportedly relies... Read more
Voter Suppression Efforts Reportedly Planned in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin advocacy group reportedly uncovered “voter suppression plans” to be implemented by the state Republican Party, Americans for Prosperity,... Read more
Voters Still Disenfranchised by 120 Year Old Florida Statute
Last month, our nation celebrated the remembrance of one of America’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who stands... Read more