Explainer: What is Voter Suppression?

There are many forms of voter suppression and tactics that go along with each.  The goal is to put a thumb on the scales and reduce or eliminate votes and to sow doubt in the election process, allowing for litigation and potentially legislative efforts to change the will of the people. Heavily used in the 2020 elections, we expect extraordinary efforts to alter the election results by right wing groups, individuals and the GOP before and after the 2024 election.

• Voter Purges: Voter purges are the removal of individuals from voter registration lists, often based on criteria such as inactivity, change of address, or felony convictions. While voter purges are intended to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls, they can also result in the disenfranchisement of eligible voters if done improperly or in a discriminatory manner.
• Voter Challenges: Voter challenges are formal objections to an individual's eligibility to vote, typically raised by a registered voter or election official. These challenges can be based on various grounds, such as the individual's residency, citizenship status, or eligibility to vote in a particular jurisdiction.
• Voter Intimidation: Intimidating or harassing voters at the polls, through misinformation campaigns, or by employing law enforcement or other tactics can discourage people from exercising their right to vote.
• Voter Access: Reducing early voting periods; reducing or changing polling places; reducing number of voting machines and drop boxes.
• Voter Disinformation: Spreading false information about voting procedures, voter eligibility, or election dates can confuse and discourage potential voters, making it harder for them to participate in the democratic process.
• ​Gerrymandering:  Manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to benefit one party or group can dilute the voting power of certain communities and influence election outcomes.