Protecting the Vote

Voting is a fundamental principle, and all Americans deserve the equal opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy. Since 2013, when the US Supreme Court removed key protections of the Voting Rights Act in the decision of Shelby v. Holder. a surge of anti-voter bills have swept across our nation – with many being legalized in states. The U. S. Constitution clearly gives the individual states the power and responsibility to govern the voting process.

The League of Women Voters South County closely monitors voter suppression policies in Rhode Island and advocates for their removal.

Voter Supression in Rhode Island

In 2022 the Rhode Island legislature passed the Let RI Vote Act which lifted three major restrictions on voters and increased voter turnout. RI citizens can now vote by mail without an excuse and without the signatures of two witnesses or a Notary Public. Early in-person voting that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic was made permanent by this act.

However, Rhode Island retains two major obstacles to voting, that disproportionately affect citizens of color and first time voters. We are one of the few Democratic states that require an ID to vote and a 30 day voter registration deadline. The technology today can certify an identity in seconds, making both of these barriers to voters unnecessary, except in the minds of lawmakers.

READ MORE from the Center for Public Integrity, Oct. 2022