Core Position
Voting is the foundational right of a democracy, yet the African American community has faced generations of voter suppression—from poll taxes and literacy tests to modern-day ID laws, gerrymandering, and polling location closures. Protecting Black political power requires defending access to the ballot, strengthening civic participation, and ensuring representation at every level of government.
Every eligible African American citizen must have equal, unobstructed access to vote without intimidation, discrimination, or structural barriers.
Key Principles & Policy Stances
1. Ending Modern Voter Suppression
- Oppose restrictive voter ID laws that disproportionately target Black voters.
- Stop closures of polling places in Black neighborhoods.
- Ban voter purges that remove eligible voters without proper verification.
2. Expanding Ballot Access
- Support automatic voter registration (AVR).
- Expand early voting and weekend voting options.
- Support no-excuse mail-in voting nationwide.
3. Fair Congressional & Local Representation
- End racial gerrymandering and enforce fair district maps.
- Demand representation that reflects the real demographics of communities.
- Require transparent redistricting processes with community involvement.
4. Protecting the Voting Rights Act (VRA)
- Restore Section 5 preclearance to stop discriminatory state policies before they occur.
- Enhance federal oversight in states with histories of voter suppression.
- Strengthen legal penalties for violating voting rights protections.
5. Rights Restoration for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
- Support nationwide restoration of voting rights upon completion of sentence.
- Oppose laws that permanently disenfranchise people with felony convictions.
- Ensure education programs that help returning citizens register and vote.
6. Voting Infrastructure & Security
- Invest in modern, secure voting equipment.
- Require paper ballots or auditable backups.
- Expand training for election workers and protect them from intimidation.
7. Civic Education & Youth Engagement
- Increase civic education in K–12 schools centered on Black political history.
- Promote youth pre-registration at 16–17 years old.
- Fund community organizations that support civic literacy.
Position Summary
Democracy cannot function when Black Americans face barriers to voting. Protecting the vote means safeguarding representation, ensuring equal access to polling, and empowering communities with civic knowledge. A healthy democracy requires that African Americans vote freely, fairly, and without obstruction.
Voting rights are not partisan—they are a civil right that must be defended at all costs.