Introduction
NAACP members demonstrate in New York City on Dec. 10, 2011, against voter-ID requirements, which they equate with poll taxes many states once imposed to block African-Americans from voting. (NAACP)
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A partisan conflict over voter identification is intensifying as this year's presidential election approaches. Republican state lawmakers have promoted voter-ID requirements in the name of instilling confidence in the electoral system and reducing what they argue is rampant voter fraud. The strictest laws require voters to produce an unexpired, government-issued photo ID at the polls. Studies have found little evidence of “impersonation” fraud in which someone casts a ballot under somebody else's name, but Republicans say the practice is common enough to warrant concern. Democrats, however, maintain that such fraud is rare and argue that photo-ID laws are aimed at reducing turnout by voters who lean Democratic — including minorities, students and the elderly. Some studies show disproportionately lower ID possession among those groups, but Republicans say minority turnout in states requiring a photo ID has increased.
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Jun. 25, 2021 |
Voting Rights |
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Oct. 02, 2015 |
Young Voters |
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Feb. 21, 2014 |
Voting Controversies |
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May 18, 2012 |
Voter Rights |
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Sep. 15, 2006 |
Voting Controversies |
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Oct. 29, 2004 |
Voting Rights |
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Feb. 28, 1975 |
Minority Voting Rights |
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Apr. 18, 1962 |
Protection of Voting Rights |
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Mar. 19, 1958 |
Right to Vote |
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Feb. 24, 1954 |
Eighteen-Year-Old and Soldier Voting |
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Sep. 13, 1932 |
The Solid South and Political Sectionalism |
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Jun. 18, 1928 |
Voting and Non-Voting in Elections |
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