8 voter suppression tactics to watch out for on Election Day [site:name]

Today is Election Day 2024, and candidates all over the place – from president to congress, and on the state and native levels – are making their final push to get your vote.

Unfortunately, voter suppression tactics could also be among the many strategies used to influence the end result. As a reminder, voter suppression includes any motion that makes it difficult or discourages people from voting.

As you head to the polls today, check out these 8 common voter suppression tactics that can help make sure you and others in your community can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.

1. Discouragement within the face of long lines

No matter when or where you vote, there’s all the time a risk of encountering a line that is simply too long. Pay special attention to individuals who suggest you “leave and come back later” when lines are shorter, and even try to discourage you from voting altogether. Be sure to plan your visit to the polling place when you’ve some free time in order not to be distracted by potentially long lines.

2. Strict identification requirements

If you might be a registered voter, generally a government-issued ID card might be enough to vote. In some cases, chances are you’ll be required to show your voter registration card, but should you notice that other voters are receiving different instructions than you or anyone in your group, don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarification.

3. Unofficial “Observers” survey

While polling places in lots of states have been a comparatively hassle-free environment previously, the changing nature of this election 12 months may lead to people trying to query you or do other things to deliberately annoy you until you allow or are asked to leave. Remember to remain consistent and never give in to anyone who tries to stop you from doing what you got here to do, which is vote.

4. Last minute changes to the voting site

Try to check where your polling station is often. In some states, there’s a high likelihood that there might be changes to your voting location, and if this happens, chances are you’ll not be notified upfront.

5. Inconsistent information in regards to the opening hours of the polling station

Polling stations will open at 6:00 a.m. and shut at 9:00 p.m. on election day. Hours of operation vary by state, so make sure to check ahead of time what the hours are in your state. On the day you intend to vote, check again before you go to be sure there have been no changes that can cause you to lose your ability to vote.

6. Review of defamatory campaign ads

Read up on the candidates and where they stand on the problems that matter most to you, so you do not get easily swayed by an influx of negative campaign ads that can undoubtedly come across as a last-ditch effort to get your vote by painting the opposite candidate in a foul light. Know your candidate’s history, but additionally keep in mind that the motion plans he has outlined for the current and future will prove most vital if he’s elected president.

7. Random voter purges

If you might be faraway from the ballot for questioning, reassignment, and even being prevented from voting by an election official, stay calm and ask questions to find out what is going on fairly than leaving without voting. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself together with your voting rights upfront, or to bring someone with you who’s at the very least minimally informed in regards to the basics.

8. Blatant bullying

Whether it’s subtle comments from other voters, offended words from protesters, or an irate election official having a foul day, don’t let anyone intimidate you to the purpose of abstaining from voting by not doing all the things you’ll be able to all the things possible to be sure your vote is counted.

The undeniable fact that these tactics are used on their very own should let you know how beneficial and powerful your voice is. Otherwise why would they struggle to suppress it, right?