This election season is one of the most highly analyzed and scrutinized in the wake of the COVID pandemic, protests, and the general unrest America has faced these past few months. One of the objects of worry this election is the issue of voter suppression, especially when it comes to Black Americans. Many modern suppression tactics are being compared to the ones of the Jim Crowe era, which so blatantly prevented so many Black people from voting. One such example some social justice advocates cite is the fact that ex-felons cannot vote. Statistically, Black Americans make up a disproportionate amount of those incarcerated, silencing millions of potential voters. In 2018, Florida approved Amendment 4, which would allow “convicted felons who complete all terms of their sentence” to vote. However, a law was passed shortly afterward requiring them to pay “all financial obligations” as well before voting, causing some to compare this restriction to another Jim Crowe era barrier. Back then, southern states once instituted “pay to play” poll taxes in order to vote, namely because Black people couldn’t afford the fee. There have also been occasions where voters were removed from the voting rolls if they hadn’t voted in previous elections. These purges also included some accidental removals that disenfranchised thousands more eligible voters. From limited places to drop off ballots, to Gerrymandering practices, voter suppression is definitely going to be discussed heavily with regards to this election, and many to come.
By Rola Goke-Pariola
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/us/voter-suppression-jim-crow-blake/index.html
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