Voter Suppression

Many voter suppression tactics used today are technically legal—but that doesn’t make them right. These measures, disguised as routine procedures, weaken the core of democratic participation.

Common Tactics

• Voter roll purges that wrongly remove eligible voters

• Strict ID laws that create barriers for students, seniors, and low-income voters

• Polling place closures that reduce access in marginalized communities

Key Turning Point

In 2013, the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision stripped away key protections of the Voting Rights Act. Since then, states have passed restrictive laws without federal oversight, leading to widespread disenfranchisement—especially for communities of color, low-income populations, students, and the elderly.

The Takeaway

Legality does not equal fairness. Naming these tactics for what they are—barriers to participation—is the first step toward protecting the right to vote

What are we able to do about it?

CONTACT YOUR STATE OFFICIALS: State House Representatives, State Senate, State Assembly, Clerk Recorders, Attorney General, Secretary of State, U.S House Members, U.S Senate and DEMAND they overturn harmful, hateful Jim Crow era voter suppression laws such as Vote Challenging & unnecessary Voter Roll Purges.

Until the day these historic and oppressive laws are changed, what else could we do?

Challenge unlawful & potentially unlawful votes.

Are you concerned a voter may not primarily reside in the jurisdiction they are voting in, maybe they are using an improper ID?

Utilize the lawful suppression tactics availed to us: Challenge votes, recommend voter roll purges.

Is a rural part of your state complying with voter roll maintenance?

Each state and jurisdiction has specific rules and laws on how to conduct vote challenging and voter roll purges. You will need to work with state and local leaders to accomplish the lawful purges and challenges. This guide has information for each state & jurisdiction: NCSL.org