Key Takeaways:
- Republicans are pushing strict voting rules in many states and in Congress.
- A new law in Congress would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
- In North Carolina, a Republican judge is challenging over 67,000 votes in a close Supreme Court race.
- Democrats warn this could set a dangerous precedent for overturning elections.
GOP’s Voting Rights Battles Intensify Across U.S.
A growing wave of Republican-led efforts to tighten voting rules is causing concern across the country. From Congress to state legislatures, these changes could make it harder for some people to vote and raise questions about the future of elections.
A New Federal Proposal to Restrict Voting
In Washington, D.C., Republicans in the House of Representatives recently passed a law called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act. This law would require people to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters say it’s about stopping fraud, but critics argue it could prevent eligible voters from casting ballots.
Princeton history professor Sean Wilentz, who writes for Rolling Stone, calls this law the biggest attack on voting rights in U.S. history. He says it’s a direct threat to democracy. The bill is unlikely to pass the Senate, but it shows how far some lawmakers are willing to go to change voting rules.
Local Battles Over Voting Rights Heat Up
Outside of Washington, over 2,000 similar voting bills have been introduced in state legislatures since January. These laws often target how people vote, making it harder to register or cast ballots. One of the most dramatic examples is happening in North Carolina.
North Carolina’s Contested Supreme Court Race
In North Carolina’s recent election for a Supreme Court seat, Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin lost by just 734 votes to Democratic Justice Allison Riggs. But Griffin isn’t giving up. He’s challenging over 67,000 votes, claiming some voters shouldn’t have been allowed to cast ballots. This has left the race unresolved even after 178 days.
The situation is especially personal for Justice Riggs. Her own parents’ votes were questioned after they received a mysterious mailer from the Republican Party. The mailer told them their votes might be contested and directed them to scan a QR code. Riggs believes this is an attempt to overturn the election and set a dangerous precedent.
Why This Matters
Riggs warns that if Griffin succeeds in overturning the election, it could have far-reaching consequences. She says it would send a message that losing candidates can challenge any election they don’t like, undermining trust in the democratic process.
“If this happens, there’s no going back,” Riggs said. “It wouldENCourage future candidates to challenge any election they lose, even if there’s no evidence of wrongdoing.”
A Test of Trump’s Election Strategies
The situation in North Carolina is also being closely watched because it resembles strategies explored by former President Donald Trump’s legal team in the 2024 election. While Trump ultimately didn’t need to use these tactics because he won, the case in North Carolina could provide a blueprint for future challenges.
The Bigger Picture
The battle over voting rights isn’t just about one election or one state. It’s part of a larger effort by Republicans to reshape how elections work. While some argue these changes are necessary to secure elections, others see them as a threat to democracy.
What’s happening in North Carolina and Washington shows how high the stakes are. If these challenges succeed, they could change the way elections are conducted across the country. For now, all eyes are on North Carolina, where the outcome of this race could set a precedent for years to come.