As the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws near, new voting laws in states considered key swing states will skew the vote turnout and possibly change the political playing field. Among them are Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, each of which is a key player in the last several elections, introducing or initiating changes that might affect the votes cast and counted.
New Voting Laws in Key Swing States
Several states have passed or strengthened voting laws since the 2020 election, sparking controversy over whether they’re fair and will affect enough voters to matter. Proponents say tightening voting restrictions will make the process more secure and honest. Critics call it “squelching voters” and allege that the effects disproportionately will fall on minority and low-income populations.
Some of the most debated laws include those in Georgia, where Senate Bill 202 brings about a myriad of changes. Among them include a government-issued ID for absentee ballots, a reduction in the number of drop boxes, and a reduction in the days before an election in which voters may request a mail-in ballot. The proponents believe that these actions would prevent fraud and assure the integrity of the election. On the other hand, opponents believe that the law runs contrary to several voters of color since they used more mail-in ballots in the past.
Voter Turnout: The Hottest Issue
One of the largest concerns is how these new laws will influence voter turnout. More traditionally, swing states are characterized as close elections, and even a small differential in turnout has immense effects. Minority voters and low-income communities will likely be most impacted by these changes because they have utilized voting methods such as absentee ballots and longer early voting periods.
For example, African American voters in Georgia tended to vote by mail more often during the 2020 election cycle. Mail-in ballots and drop boxes are some of the programs known to be reduced under these new policies, which may make it difficult for African American voters to vote increasingly.
Legal challenges and implications for the future
Many of these voting laws are in court. Civil rights organizations, along with other voter advocates and the U.S. Justice Department, have filed lawsuits alleging violations of voters’ rights by these laws, particularly those of minority voters. This could affect how these laws will be implemented this year during the 2024 elections and beyond.
The new voting laws of the swing state, along with mobilization from both camps- defenses or calls to challenge the regulations, as is already being done significantly affect the 2024 elections.
