Reference no: EM132206820

State and Local Government

Written Assignment

Since the passage of the 15th Amendment, various states have used their powers under Article I of the Constitution to impair the ability of minority groups to vote.

The potential for states to use electoral laws for voter suppression remains controversial within contemporary American politics, as numerous states have recently enacted questionably restrictive forms of voter identification requirements.

For this written assignment, you will conduct research on state voter identification laws and assess their overall impact on voting rights.

To complete this paper assignment, you must do the following:

Select a state whose legislature has enacted changes to their voter identification laws since 2011 (see source list). Identify and briefly explain the changes to the voter identification laws in the state you selected.

Discuss support for and opposition to the legislative changes in the state you selected, as well as any subsequent legal threats or challenges. Locate and draw upon at leasttwo suitable sources for each ‘side.'

Give your evaluation of these legislative changes. Consider the following questions:

Do the changes in your case seem likely to lead to voter suppression?

Does your case suggest a need for greater federal oversight (or regulation) of state voting laws?