TO THE EDITOR:
North Carolina is one of only three Southern states that has not passed restrictive voting laws since the 2010 election, but only thanks to Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto power.
In 2011, Republican state legislators proposed one of the most restrictive voter ID laws in the nation, also attempting to shorten early voting and end voting on Sundays, both of which have increased voter participation in our state.
While in-person voter fraud is practically non-existent, voter ID laws threaten to disenfranchise an estimated 500,000 N.C. voters.
This begs the question of why, in a democracy, we would ever intentionally put forth measures to decrease voter participation.
The history of voter suppression in the South might offer a clue.
Considering that those whose voting rights are most likely to be at risk include students, people of color, the elderly, low-income individuals and people with disabilities, the GOP agenda becomes a little bit clearer.
In the words of Heritage Foundation co-founder Paul Weyrich, “I don’t want everyone to vote.”
With all eyes on the presidential race, we should not forget the crucial importance of state and local elections.
The outcome of state legislative and gubernatorial races will determine whether restrictive voting laws could be proposed and passed in coming years. If you have a vote, please use it.
Carrie Fields
Masters candidate
School of Social Work
