Carding Democracy
In recent years, more and more states—fueled by exaggerated fears of fraudulent voting—have enacted laws requiring that a voter present photographic identification at the polls.
Although details of the laws vary, they all deter otherwise-eligible voters from going to the polls. Those hit hardest are the same groups traditionally marginalized in our election process: African Americans, Spanish speakers, low-income individuals, disabled voters, and youth.
The stated rationale for the measures—preventing voter fraud—is baseless. Photo ID laws prevent only one kind of voter fraud: impersonation at the polling place, in which an individual poses as a particular eligible voter and votes as that person. This sort of voter fraud is extremely rare.
The impact of this “solution” to the phantom problem of voter impersonation is not trifling; millions of dollars must be devoted to implementation, free IDs, and voter education. While photo ID exacts a steep financial cost, disenfranchising our most vulnerable citizens takes an incalculable toll on democracy.
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Testimony Opposing Bill to Modify Early Voting Procedures
Project Vote submitted testimony to oppose HB 41, a bill to that proposed to change voter ID requirements during the early voting period. Read more
Letter in to Gov. Burgum in Opposition to North Dakota Voter ID Bill
Project Vote submitted testimony to North Dakota Governor Burgum in opposition to voter ID bill, HB 1369. Read more
Despite Supporters’ Advice, Sessions Faces Uphill Battle in Denying Racial Voter Discrimination
Attorney General Sessions' supporters claim voter protection laws are unnecessary, though recent cases against voter suppression laws prove otherwise. Read more
Threats and Opportunities Update
Now that the political climate has changed and is aided by weakened voting protections, states are taking it upon themselves to investigate and pass laws that prevent voter fraud. Read more
Fact Sheet: The Truth About “Voter Fraud”
Facts, talking points, and links to studies debunking the myth that "voter fraud" is a widespread problem in American elections. Read more
Debunking Voter Fraud–An Interview with Michael Slater
Brad Friedman of the Brad Blog interviews Project Vote president Michael Slater about Trump's voter fraud allegations, and how they signal a massive attack on voting rights. Read more
Legislative Threats and Opportunities Update
With this new wave of hostility toward the democratic process, we can expect to see fewer viable legislative efforts to modernize election administration, and more egregious efforts to block the vote. Read more
How Voter Fraud Claims Justify Voter Suppression After the Election
Instead of building safeguards and protecting eligible Americans’ right to vote, these lawmakers and partisans are using the last weeks of 2016 to willfully try to weaken our democracy. Read more
Michigan Tries to Rush Voter ID Through Lame-Duck Session
Michigan voters are already suffering from an antiquated election system, and the proposed voter ID laws would only make things worse. Read more
Legislative Threats and Opportunities Update
While advocates and lawmakers have slowly worked over the last 50-plus years to make the democratic process more inclusive, efficient, and modern, the future of voting rights remains uncertain under Trump. Read more