Voter Suppression

Beginner 🏛️ Government / Politics

Definition

Tactics used to discourage or prevent eligible voters from voting, whether through discriminatory requirements, misinformation, or administrative obstacles. It's cheating that's somehow legal.

Example Usage

The state's strict voter ID law was challenged as voter suppression because it disproportionately affected minority voters.

Origin

From the concept of 'suppressing' votes, dating to the post-Civil War era.

Fun Fact

Voter suppression tactics have evolved; modern methods are more subtle than historical poll taxes but just as effective.

Source: Voting rights law and electoral justice documentation

Related Terms

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