Voting is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and it is essential to ensure that every eligible citizen has equal access to exercise this right. In East Tennessee, we have made significant strides in protecting voting rights and preventing any form of discrimination or suppression.
The History of Voting Rights in East Tennessee
Before delving into the laws that have been passed to protect voting rights in East Tennessee, it is crucial to understand the history of voting rights in this region. Like many other states in the United States, Tennessee has a long history of voter suppression and discrimination, particularly against African Americans. During the Jim Crow era, African Americans were systematically denied their right to vote through various means such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation tactics. This continued well into the 20th century, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 being a significant milestone in protecting voting rights for all citizens.The Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices that were used to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote.This act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was a direct response to the widespread discrimination faced by African American voters. Under this act, several provisions were put in place to protect voting rights, including the prohibition of literacy tests and other discriminatory practices. It also required certain states, including Tennessee, to obtain federal approval before making any changes to their voting laws. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many African Americans in East Tennessee were finally able to exercise their right to vote without facing any barriers or discrimination. However, this act was not without its challenges, and it has faced several legal challenges over the years.
The Shelby County v.
Holder CaseIn 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States heard a case known as Shelby County v. Holder, which challenged the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The plaintiffs argued that these provisions were no longer necessary and that they unfairly targeted certain states, including Tennessee. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, effectively striking down the provision that required states to obtain federal approval before making any changes to their voting laws. This decision had a significant impact on voting rights in East Tennessee and other states, as it removed a crucial safeguard against discriminatory voting practices.
The Tennessee Voter Confidence Act
In response to the Shelby County v.Holder case, the Tennessee legislature passed the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act in 2011. This act aimed to address concerns about voter fraud and ensure the integrity of elections in the state. Under this act, voters are required to present a valid form of identification when casting their ballots. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, or military ID. This law has faced criticism from some groups who argue that it disproportionately affects low-income and minority voters who may not have access to these forms of identification.
The Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons
Another significant development in protecting voting rights in East Tennessee is the restoration of voting rights for felons. In 2019, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that automatically restored voting rights for felons who have completed their sentences and are no longer on probation or parole. This law was a significant step towards ensuring that all eligible citizens have equal access to exercise their right to vote.Prior to this, felons in Tennessee had to go through a lengthy and often complicated process to have their voting rights restored.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Voting Rights
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on voting rights in East Tennessee. With concerns about the safety of in-person voting, many states, including Tennessee, have expanded access to mail-in voting. However, this expansion has faced legal challenges, with some arguing that it could lead to voter fraud. Despite these challenges, the state of Tennessee has continued to allow mail-in voting for all registered voters during the pandemic.Conclusion
While there have been significant strides in protecting voting rights in East Tennessee, there is still much work to be done. The Shelby County v.Holder case and the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act have highlighted the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding voting rights in this region. However, with the restoration of voting rights for felons and the expansion of mail-in voting during the pandemic, there is hope that progress will continue to be made towards ensuring that every eligible citizen in East Tennessee can exercise their right to vote without facing any barriers or discrimination.
