Across the nation, conservatives are gaining traction in efforts to reshape voting practices. A proposal from Donald Trump advocates for a system that relies solely on paper ballots, requires voter ID, and restricts voting to in-person on Election Day. Proponents argue that these changes could enhance the reliability of elections, particularly in light of the chaotic 2020 election, where Joe Biden garnered the highest number of votes ever for a presidential candidate.
However, tightening voting regulations could inadvertently reignite the issue of voter suppression.
Not being able to easily cast a vote can be equated to actively denying voters their rights. It’s a form of voter suppression.
In a perfect scenario, voting would take place exclusively with paper ballots and in person. No mail-in ballots, no drop boxes. Voter ID would be a necessity.
To combat restrictions in Republican areas, it may be necessary to extend the voting period over several days—possibly a full week. This approach could empower voters and counteract efforts aimed at discouraging turnout.
Having experienced voter suppression firsthand, I can personally attest to its impact. When I began voting in Travis County, Texas (Austin) back in the 1980s, voter suppression tactics were often employed by Democrats running the county. There were two main strategies:
- Insufficient voting booths: Conservative areas had very few booths, leading to long lines. I witnessed many people drive to polling places, only to leave upon seeing the lines. Others, frustrated by the wait, ultimately gave up on their vote altogether. In my precincts, there were about four or five booths, whereas I could easily see the Democratic precincts bustling with activity and numerous booths.
- Missing ballots: In Republican precincts, it wasn’t uncommon for ballots to run out before polls closed due to “unexpected” high turnout. People waited hours in line, only to be told they couldn’t vote because of these shortages. Many didn’t stay until closing time to cast their ballots.
Insufficient Voting Resources
To ensure my vote counted, I made a habit of showing up to vote first thing in the morning. Despite the long wait often due to the limited number of booths, I still managed to vote. Yet, I quickly realized that the number of votes cast was actually fewer than the number of voters in my area; some had likely been counted by someone voting later.
Election officials always had explanations for the ballot shortages in Republican areas. They often pointed to state laws dictating that ballots should be allocated according to average county turnout. This design was flawed, as Republican areas tended to experience higher turnout than the county average.
When early voting was introduced a few years later, I felt relieved. I was tired of battling local officials just to vote for a Republican.
Fast forward decades, and similar tactics remain in play.
Take the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court elections, for instance. They attracted attention because the outcome could influence legislative district changes.
On Election Day in Milwaukee, 69 out of 180 precincts reported a lack of ballots, with nine precincts completely running out. Election officials offered the same old excuses, stating they printed ballots based on prior elections. Voter participation had surged to 50%, far exceeding previous springs. This was an “unexpected” outcome.
Some conservatives advocating for same-day voting might not realize that those in charge of ballot preparation can simply fail to provide adequate numbers.
Ballot Printing Issues
Another voter suppression strategy involves issues with ballot printing. If the printer malfunctions, voters cannot cast their votes. This tactic has worked effectively for Democrats in recent elections, particularly in places like Phoenix, Arizona, and Harris County, Texas.
In the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race, Republican Kari Lake lost by a narrow margin of 17,000 votes out of 2.5 million cast. Printer problems led to long lines, causing numerous voters to give up before they could cast their ballots. Moreover, in some cases, thousands of printed ballots were unreadable by voting machines.
Similarly, during Texas’s 2022 gubernatorial election in Republican areas around Houston, printer issues led to many voters being unable to vote. Reports indicated that over twelve polling locations in Harris County ran out of paper for ballot printing. Voters and officials remarked that many had waited hours without being able to vote.
Some officials have expressed concerns that there appears to be a deliberate effort to ensure insufficient ballots are available in Republican precincts. Again, not being able to print a vote is effectively the same as completely denying individuals the chance to vote—a clear form of voter suppression.
Ensuring Sufficient Resources
In a system relying exclusively on paper ballots, all registered voters must have open polling places on Election Day with adequate numbers of printed ballots. Any unused ballots should be destroyed post-election to maintain integrity.
Additionally, it’s vital to provide enough voting booths to ensure long lines don’t deter people from voting.
Personally, I advocate for allowing multiple days of in-person paper voting to counteract voter suppression tactics often deployed on Election Day. One legitimate Republican vote holds as much weight as any single fraudulent vote that could be added to the ballot box.
