States Violating Voting Rights of Low-Income Americans
Published July 13, 2009 @ 12:00PM PT
A group of non-profits have filed lawsuits in Indiana and New Mexico last week asserting that the states are violating the 1993 "Motor Voter" law that requires voter registration forms to be provided to low-income clients in public assistance offices. The lawsuits are meant to spur the numerous other states breaking this law across the country to make the necessary changes without being taken to court. The Obama Administration has signaled a willingness to better enforce the law, though has not yet taken action.
...2.6 million people were registered through public assistance offices in 1995-1996, the first two years the [1993 National Voter Registration, or "motor voter", Act] was in effect. But registration has dropped precipitously throughout the nation since then, by 90 percent or more in some states...2 million to 3 million more low-income people could be registered each year if all states followed the law.
In places where advocacy groups have restored compliance without or without litigation, including Virginia, North Carolina and Missouri, voter registration has increased from almost 100% to fivefold in some cases.
As we struggle to disentangle our government leaders from their too cozy relationships with Wall Street, private student loan corporations, healthcare insurers, and countless other big business entities, we should remember that millions of our fellow citizens - the most vulnerable and exploited among us - are unable to join us in our on-going fight at the voting booth. Facilitating voting from registration to election day is a fundamental social justice issue and one that can be long-term dividends in unparalleled ways. We should support Demos, ACORN, Project Vote and the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in this critical work.
(Image by Daquella Manera)
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Comments (26)
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Author
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Leigh is a PhD candidate in urban planning at MIT, and a consultant on U.S. Gulf Coast recovery. She sits on the Board of the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation in Boston, and has worked with non-profits, foundations and local governments on policies and programs aimed at reducing urban poverty and inequality.
Featured Poverty in America Actions
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Repeal the Hyde Amendment!
88 People
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Repeal the Hyde Amendment!
This is an important thing to support. If the lower classes can't vote, there's no one to stop the upper classes and corporations in their attempts to buy government or flat out ignore laws and run rough shod over the nation and its peoples (as was pretty well done for the entire 8 years of Bush, though it happens to lesser degrees under anyone seems like).
It's particularly important to enforce the non-DMV parts of the law - because as noted in the article, not all poor people own vehicles. And a lot of us, simply due to things like economic pressures and poverty are found at places like welfare offices.
Nor can we all afford to buy a current driver license. In WA, a driver license is either $35 or $45 (depending on if you get the one that makes it easier to get in and out of Canada). Either way, even the "cheaper" one is 4 pre-tax hours of income for a working Washington resident. Now there are rumors that there are organizations that will help you get an ID card - but if you have a driver license from another state, why do you want to trade down to an ID card? Doing so means that to get a license again would require starting over as if you've never been licensed. Yet no one will help you with a license - even though they cost the same (I think, I'm doing this from memory) and a license would let many who do have cars continue to legally drive since an unexpected $40-ish is a lot when in or near poverty. So requiring a currently valid license or state ID - as some states are doing, claiming it "prevents fraud" (as if people aren't any more willing to lie about their identity on a license or ID than when voting) - is just yet another road block placed to keep the poor from voting.
And on a rather related note, the way some locations "provide" their disability accommodations is another roadblock. King County has their stuff for my area at ONE location, kept in or near the main elections office. I just found that out around the time of our last election, after years of voting by mail because that was easier than doing what I had to do to vote at my assigned location that didn't have what I needed. Now how are they really providing accommodations if they keep them a secret and require voting in advance? It's another important thing to consider since this income group contains a high percentage of the disabled.
Posted by Danetta Amschler on 07/13/2009 @ 04:31PM PT
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Leigh, I'm all for registering as many people as possible. I think Acorn needs to be left out though. They seem a little weak on the concept of citizenship, and there's that little thing of registering dead people. I know what you liberals are thinking! No I am not anti dead people, but they need to actually be present! LOL
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/13/2009 @ 06:34PM PT
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Charlie, in all the screaming the Republicans and their associates (Fox News for example) did from the rooftops proclaiming (when it should have been alleging) that ACORN was responsible for "massive voter fraud" across the states, there's been little fraud verified and what's been verified that does trace to ACORN has never been proven to be a systemic thing (i.e. endorsed or even suggested by ACORN) nor nation-wide. It's been localized and typically a thing that traces to individual contractors who were hired on a per signature or per registration basis to work for ACORN. There has been much more proof of false allegations, which ultimately damage the access of the poor to voting, than proof of fraud by ACORN or any other group.
Posted by Danetta Amschler on 07/13/2009 @ 06:46PM PT
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I have watched people on television witness that They were turned away from voting by large, beret wearing men. I have seen video of these Men standing guard outside the polls. I have seen towns that registered more people than live in the town. The entire roster of the Dallas Cowboys was registerd to vote in several towns. As I have said I don't expect investigation for twelve years, but that will not shut Me up.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/14/2009 @ 08:48AM PT
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Charlie,
I'm sorry, I really disagree with your perceptions of ACORN, which I believe are not unique and sadly fueled by racist and classist mischaracterizations by the media (which does not mean you are, only that you're absorbing biased information, IMO). I have worked with ACORN in New Orleans and they run like unions, w/individual chapters across the country. Some chapters are definitely problematic, like in any large organization (corporations, unions, etc.) but by and large the work they do - registering voters, advocating for low-income renters, etc. - is important and valuable and strikes fear in the hearts of the powers-that-be in this world.
I recommend you watch the videos we have here at PIA of ACORN, and also read some of the alternative press on their work, esp. that which was published last fall during the election:
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/fraud-of-fraud-by-digby-its-becoming.html
That's a good one to start.
Posted by Leigh Graham on 07/14/2009 @ 09:39AM PT
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I'm going to have to side wtih Leigh here. Remember, one thing that must always be kept in mind (especially about mainstream media or really far off the map alternative media) is just because it's out there, doesn't mean it's true. There's a LOT of false "information" (most of it more correctly stated as allegations being presented as "information" without the difference being clarified which is INCREDIBLY bad journalism, but this is pretty standard for outlets like Fox News when reporting about organizations or individuals they don't like) out there about ACORN.
Posted by Danetta Amschler on 07/15/2009 @ 08:18PM PT
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Danetta, the people Who used to try to keep blacks fom voting with tests and poll taxes were not conservatives. They were bigots. As a conservative I normally take offense to people using the words as if they are synonymous. Bigots come in both liberal and conservative. Bigotry is not a political philosophy.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/14/2009 @ 09:03AM PT
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I will concede that I may have been wrong about the party, but today it IS the conservatives and Republicans (or at least people among them who are vocal and not being publicly admonished) who want to keep what's left of this or bring back more of it (though so far it's mostly quiet and localized, thank goodness - but this sort of hateful thing is like a creeping cancer that has to be carefully watched just in case it tries to spread).
One of the most chilling racial things I've seen since growing up in the racially charged rot of the UFW strikes in a small California farm town (not a place you want to be poor and tan), was Sessions' statements about Sotomayor alleging she's a racist and particularly so when you consider his past and that his own racism is what kept HIM off the federal judiciary when appointed by then President Reagan. So there's definitely some racism alive and (not sure this is the right word) "well" in the Republican party.
Posted by Danetta Amschler on 07/15/2009 @ 08:44PM PT
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I agree with You rascism is alive still. I will stand side by side with anyone fighting it. It is alive in the Republican party and the Democratic party. It is alive in every country on this planet. It will probably never be gone, but good people like You and Me can never throw in the towel.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/16/2009 @ 05:26AM PT
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Leigh, I will concede to your point re: these problems may not be systemic, but if they are not, ACORN had better start policing their staff a lot closer. I believe to dwell too deeply on ACORN would be a mistake anyway. I will never convince either You or Danetta there is a problem with Them. The problem at hand is that We need to make sure all people have access to voting. I believe voter ID cards should be issued to every single citizen free of charge. I also believe that ex cons are citizens too, and therefore have the right to vote. States that violate that right should be stopped, by constitutional amendment if need be.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/14/2009 @ 09:45AM PT
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That's because neither you nor anyone else has shown evidence of the widespread or "systemic" election/voter abuse and fraud by ACORN that many (mostly conservative or Republican leaning) politicians and pundits love to say actually happened and still happens. That a few bad apples were present in a few locations proves nothing about ACORN. As far as it goes, there were many other organizations caught with the same problems where ACORN was caught and the problem seemed to be more associated with the way the workers were paid and that some workers just didn't have the ethics to give up and accept low pay so they fraudulently "made up" some registrations or signatures to "pad" their pay. Seems more like a set wage would go miles to preventing a lot of the fraud.
I'd link you to the local papers, but what was published locally is now archived and you have to sign in and it becomes a pain in the rear...
Posted by Danetta Amschler on 07/15/2009 @ 08:52PM PT
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Sounds like the voting effect taking on due to the Bush campaign.
We are raising every voice to proclaim that every vote counts, rather the financial status of the voter.
Posted by Aaron Shaw on 07/15/2009 @ 08:28PM PT
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Danetta, that's why I conceded to Leigh in My last comment that "the problems may not be systematic". This same corruption has been going on for a long time. When JFK was elected, dead people voted for Him. (of course He was very popular, so maybe They did get out of Their graves for Him)lol. When Bush was elected in 2000, military votes were left setting in bags and not counted. I believe people need to go to jali for a very log time. I will however back off from ACORN only until I have learned more one way or another. I do this because of the fact that I have gained a sense of trust for Leigh, and if She says ACORN is not all criminal then I need to give Them a chance.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/16/2009 @ 04:20AM PT
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"systemic" not "systematic", and sorry about the typos.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/16/2009 @ 05:16AM PT
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In every state I have lived in, anyone registering voters is forbidden to not submit all the forms to the Registrar. Even if someone signs as Mickey Mouse, it has to be submitted. I heard that Acorn often pre-sorted the forms into three groups, submitting them as likely valid at one end and obviously bogus at the other. They were following the law and often went the extra step of sorting. As it happened, in nearly all cases, these bogus registration forms were rejected by the Registrar. No conspiracy, and Mickey Mouse never really had a chance anyway! Other than Acorn being ripped off by some unscrupulous day labor, I see little net harm done to the election process (until Fox stepped in).
But explain to me how half the people who could vote cannot be bothered to vote. While every vote should count, it is the half that do not vote at all that bothers me more. I canvass and by and large, people seem to care, but they often think voting is too much trouble or someone else's job. Every other house I visit is a remedial civics lesson. Something needs fixing before our once proud Republic crumbles to a forgotten civics tale. I do not see Acorn as the problem, I see apathy as the problem. I realize I am off the important topic of violating voter rights, but stepping back, not exercising voter rights is an even bigger issue. That is why I give Acorn some respect, they are tackling a really big problem.
Posted by Bruce Kran on 07/18/2009 @ 01:16AM PT
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Actually Bruce, I could not agree more. I am embarrassed at how few people vote in this country. After Afghanistan and Iraq were liberated people risked Their lives to vote in those countries. Here, people don't want to miss lunch to vote. I know in My head it's not right, but My heart wants to actually fine people Who do not vote.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/21/2009 @ 04:24AM PT
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Yes Voting rights Are important. But not nearly as important as demanding our Economic Human Rights Every Day. Up until the 1970's Some states with General relief, made you exchange your voting rights if you used Town Welfare in that year.
I could sure a blog on how did the Kentuckey internationial national conference go? Editors can I guest a blog?
Voting is important but we should not be one day citizens!
We must call for strides of improvement 364 days a year. As a well liked well hated advocate at the conference said, "we are the leaders we were waiting for, to end Martin Luthers King Jr's work."
Anyone want to hear about Cheri Honkala work? Or hear about the conference which will be marked as the 2nd Civil Rights Movement?
Anyone know what Economic Human Rights are? The groups will focus upon 3. The right to Housing. It is essential to being a whole human being. The Right to Health care, and the Right to adequate pay to pay all of life's unavoidable bills.
It is a human right to be paid enough to cover the fair market value of rent. And all the necessities of life like heating utilities, repairs, savings recreation, etc. Change.org has documented in a report that 16 out of 50 states pay LESS than the fair-market value of rent in SSI. Money states pay less then that in TANF. Then people who manage to find the rest of the money to live on, are called Lairs and thief's.
That's 1/3 to 1/2 of the American population who are paid less than a compassionate amount to live on. Then mocked by TV Judges.
Then according to a report I found on living wages 70% of all workers are paid UNDER even a badly designed livable wage.
Of course all you readers know the Poverty Level is malign designed. It counts only food. Not all of lives basics. And the broken poverty level does not include the inflating cost of rents.
www.Change.org was mentioned at that three day meeting.
Yes, voting rights are important. But not being Zombies or Sheep's the other 364 days are the bases of holding accountable those we vote into office.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 07/21/2009 @ 06:12AM PT
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Jan I had no idea that welfare recipients had to give up Their right to vote in some areas. I would express the same outrage for that as I do for the felons Who have served Their time not being able to vote.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/21/2009 @ 09:01AM PT
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Lets not forget they take one million mainly young, poor, people of color out of the voting pool every year. By making felons out of people that enjoy cannabis. A God given herb that many hail as a miracle cure fore aging, insomnia, depression, parkensons, altimers not to mention cancer and thousands of other ailments. Free the weed stop putting us in jail for making a personal choice...
CFJ
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 07/21/2009 @ 08:12PM PT
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Fred, although it has been many years since I "didn't inhale", I could not agree more. It has nothing to do with race though. They lock up all shades of people for that .
Posted by Charlie Reed on 07/22/2009 @ 04:01AM PT
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I've been homeless since I got back from Phx. Az,1996 and helped take care of my dad until he past away and now I live in a tent at a friends house in the country and I still voted this year and will keep voting.
Posted by Desirree Marlena Clonch-Huff on 07/27/2009 @ 09:51AM PT
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I am all for this, especially being in Appalachia Ohio!!
Posted by Kathleen Roby, MEd on 07/31/2009 @ 03:02PM PT
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Thanks for promoting this bill - it is well written. Even in my (and Conyers') home state of Michigan, which is relatively liberal on felon voting, this will extend voting rights to some people. It has lots more to recommend it, of course, and can be an important piece in moving us closer to real democracy.
Posted by Richa [no last name] on 07/31/2009 @ 07:41PM PT
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I remember some people who were denied from voting were not Americans, which in this country it is the law you have to be an american to vote.
But I do remember a little town in Arizona where everyone were not allowed to vote for some strange reason when many of them were Americans. I think the people who caused this too happen should be arrested and place in prison and make it where they actually lost their voting rights indefinatly.
Posted by Lara Nunes on 08/01/2009 @ 02:05AM PT
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I've been homeless for 10 years, then got married, this only lasted for three and a half years, then my husband abandoned me last year, it was the saturday after my birthday, I'm unable to hold a job no longer than for two to three months because of all the meds they want me to take and all they do for me is make me feel worse than I already do. I don't know how they expect someone to live without some kind of income, even if it means reforming the ga/gr money to include the homeless so they have some way to get housing at the least no matter if they are single or not, at least the other states I've lived in have some kind of help to get you off the street and get you a job, ged if you need it and with a voucher you at least can get into a place to rest, cook, and bathe.
Posted by Desirree Marlena Clonch-Huff on 08/01/2009 @ 07:23AM PT
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when I first started voting I had no Idea how munch all the other ways we had to make a differance was just as important as voting is, it is our way of filing complants to our gov officals.
Posted by Desirree Marlena Clonch-Huff on 08/01/2009 @ 07:28AM PT
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