Get Back the Vote: How Civic Engagement Groups Can Strengthen Voting Rights

Limiting the right to vote to select groups of people is nothing new, but over the last century social advocacy and civil rights groups have worked to break down barriers to voting for women, African Americans, and young people. So with the resurgence of voter laws that disenfranchise people in the 21st century, these same groups are being called upon to help their communities.

Because they often have the trust of the community, a longstanding reputation for getting things done, and enough leadership to mobilize in large numbers, non-profits and civic engagement groups are well positioned to educate and organize against voter suppression in its many forms. But their work is not enough. In a recent issue of Shelterforce, Avi Green and Gabrielle Tarini, with MassVOTE, lay out a path to stronger voting rights that starts with a modernized voter registration system to replace the antiquated paper-based system.

Do you think this would strengthen voting rights in the United States? Check out the full article "Get Back the Vote" at www.shelterforce.org to read the additional suggestions the authors propose.

Thanks to Brittany Stanley