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Voter Suppression - Coggle Diagram
Voter Suppression
Causes
Pre-Existing Racism -- During the Civil War reconstruction, racism towards African Americans was very prevalent, which is why in the Jim Crow Era, literacy tests were used as a way to obstruct Black people from their right to vote (Carter). The loopholes that were used back then to limit the power of people of color are very similar to the loopholes used today. (Image Here) 
Fear -- After the passing of legislation granting suffrage to African Americans, Black people slowly began to take positions in Congress and cast their vote. They were met with violence, threats, and many were even killed as they attempted to utilize the right given to them by the Constitution (Silverbrok) Why? Because white people feared that they would lose power. These are the same themes used today. Voter suppression would not exist if the fear of losing power did not exist.
Selfishness -- Gerrymandering, which is a form of voter suppression, is fueled by selfishness. In many states, district lines are redrawn in odd shapes to favor a specific outcome of an election (ACLU). This means that if a specific candidate wants to win, they may be able to manipulate the districts to result in a predictable win fr themselves. This connects to the outcome of unjust elections, as it skews the results.
Lack of Education -- Lack of education in general, but specifically in regards to election information and restrictions, has an impact on the way people vote Harris. The lack of access to a good education puts people in a vulnerable place where they can be subject to voter suppression laws and can easily be taken advantage of by them.
Effects
Unjust Elections -- Voter suppression leads to inaccurate election results. According to The Atlantic, President Trump's win in the 2016 election was "almost certainly" a result of voter suppression. This means that if voter suppression did not exist, election outcomes would look very different. If we take a step back, we would realize that many people who are in power wouldn't be in their positions if elections were just.
Intimidation -- Voter suppression discourages and intimidates people from voting because it harms people in vulnerable situations (Brennan Center). All the obstacles people have to overcome makes them think that it's not worth it, leading to lower voter turnout.
Racial Turnout Gap -- Because of the unjust restrictions put on people of color, which is fueled by the pre-existing racism that is discussed in "Causes", there is a "racial turnout gap" across the country (Brennan Center). Voter suppression laws inhibit people of color's right to vote, so their voter turnout numbers are lower. (Image Here)
Obstruction of Democracy -- Voter suppression goes directly against the democratic process our country was founded on. The Atlantic says "voter suppression is warping democracy". It is inhibiting a basic right that is the foundation for our freedom.
Solutions
Passing Voter Rights Legislation -- The For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Advancement Act, and more voting rights legislation, have been blocked in Congress by the use of the filibuster. If these laws were to be passed, they would prevent discrimination against voters and ease restrictions (League of Women Voters). This would result in an increase in voter turnout more people using their voice, making elections more accurate in regards to the opinions of the citizens, undoing all the effects listed in "Effects".
Widespread Election Education -- With lack of education being a cause of voter suppression, widespread election education would combat the issue. Everyone has a different situation and level of education, which has impacted election turnout in the past (Harris). With more education, people can become more informed on the issues they are voting on, the candidates that are running, and they can stay on top oof outrageous voter suppression laws to work around them.
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What is it?
Voter Suppression is the act of obstructing one's right to vote. Today, it can be seen with Voter ID laws, limitation of early voting, and other restrictions that specifically harm people of color. (Image Here)