Day 1: Voting Laws and Election Access

What does Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Constitution say about elections?

It states that the Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed by each State's Legislature, but Congress may alter these regulations.

What does Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 of the Constitution specify about presidential elections?

It allows Congress to determine the Time of choosing the Electors and the Day on which they shall give their Votes, which must be the same throughout the United States.

Who were initially allowed to vote in the United States?

Initially, only white men who owned property were allowed to vote.

What amendment bans racial discrimination in voting?

The 15th Amendment (1870) bans racial discrimination in voting.

What does the 19th Amendment address?

The 19th Amendment (1920) bans gender discrimination in voting.

What requirement was abolished by the 24th Amendment?

The 24th Amendment (1964) abolished poll taxes as a requirement for voting.

What significant law was enacted in 1965 to protect voting rights?

The Voting Rights Act (1965) banned literacy tests and other tools used to limit voting, particularly for black voters in the Jim Crow South.

What was the outcome of Shelby County v. Holder (2013)?

The Supreme Court removed the requirement for states with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before creating new voting laws.

What change did the 26th Amendment bring to voting rights?

The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age to 18.

What is voter suppression?

Voter suppression refers to laws or practices that drive down voter turnout or participation, often through new obstacles or limits.

What are some methods of voter suppression?

Methods include closing polling places, implementing voter ID laws, restricting voter registration, and limiting mail-in or early voting.

What is the purpose of laws aimed at preventing voter fraud?

These laws are intended to prevent individuals from voting under false identities or circumstances where they are not legally allowed to vote.

What controversial claims did Donald Trump make regarding the 2020 election?

Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden's victory was illegitimate, which was echoed by some politicians and news sources.

What was a significant event related to claims of voter fraud after the 2020 election?

The January 6 Insurrection was partly motivated by beliefs that the presidency was stolen.

What type of articles were assigned for reading and discussion regarding voter fraud?

Students were assigned a report on the 2020 election by the Associated Press and an overview of voter fraud by the Brennan Center.

What questions were students expected to discuss after reading the articles on voter fraud?

Students were to discuss the prevalence of voter fraud in the 2020 election, examples of fraud, responses from election officials, and consequences of claiming voter fraud is a pressing threat.