Most common barriers to voting rights

The most common barriers to voting rights include voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and the purging of voter rolls. These tactics disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and young voters, and can make it difficult for these groups to exercise their right to vote.

Voter suppression tactics are often used to disenfranchise specific demographics, such as communities of color, by making it harder for them to register to vote or cast their ballot. Strict voter ID laws require individuals to present specific forms of identification in order to vote, which can place a burden on those who may not have access to the necessary documents. Gerrymandering allows political parties to manipulate voting districts in order to gain an advantage, diluting the voting power of certain communities. Additionally, the purging of voter rolls can result in eligible voters being removed from the registration list, often through flawed or discriminatory processes. These barriers to voting rights perpetuate inequalities in the electoral process and undermine the principle of democracy.