UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Election Opinion: America prides itself as a beacon of democracy, but is it really?

Zach Yearwood, Managing Editor

As the country awaits the results of the 2020 Presidential Election with bated breath, there is one issue that hasn’t – and shouldn’t – go unnoticed.

The United States likes to market itself as one of the most democratic nations on Earth, promising free and fair elections for all its citizens. However, it fails to deliver on this promise with attempts to disenfranchise and suppress voters.

Examples of this can be seen throughout the country. 

In 2016, citizens of Florida voted on Amendment 4, restoring the ability to vote for former convicted felons who served their time. State legislators then acted swiftly to make it nearly impossible for them to vote unless they paid all their court fines (which they then made extremely difficult to quantify). This equates to a modern-day poll tax for 1.4 million Floridians.

Shortly before this year’s election, the governor of Texas implemented an order forcing only one mail-in drop box per county. After several challenges in courts, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the order. While this may not be an issue in counties like Loving County – Texas’ least populous with fewer than 200 people – it posed a serious problem in areas such as Harris County – Texas’ largest with a population over four million.

These are just two recent well-documented cases of attempted voter suppression throughout the country. However, simple examples of suppression exist in every state in various forms including:

  •     Long lines resulting in hours-long waits to vote
  •     Election Day not being a federal holiday
  •     Lack of universal voter registration
  •     Frequent purges of voter rolls
  •     Fewer polling locations in lower-class areas and largely minority communities
  •     Voter ID laws – obtaining an ID card can be costly for people in impoverished communities, which disproportionately includes minority communities

Even now, the president is attempting to stop ballots from being counted prematurely.

I am an immigrant. Until I became a citizen in 2016, I did not have the right to vote in this country. I have not missed an opportunity to vote and likely will not as long as I live. 

Not everyone is as intrigued in politics as I am, understandably. Many people, especially younger people, have been disillusioned from politics and avoid it all together. Not everyone will vote, but every citizen should have the option to.

So, my question is: Why do so many in positions of power try so hard to take the power away from the people?

This country has fought in wars overseas “in the name of democracy” to establish pseudo-imperialist, pro-American governments. How can it do this when it still, to this day, has not fully figured out democracy at home?

Allowing citizens to vote is not a red vs. blue issue. It should not be partisan. It is our voice. Civic involvement is a basic human right. Voting is a right that millions who came before us fought for, and we should continue this fight until every citizen is allowed to vote quickly, easily and at no cost. It is the way that we, the people, hold the people we elect accountable.  

We will never truly be the representative democracy we claim to be until every eligible citizen has equal access to civic participation.

__

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].

About the Writer
Navigate Left
  • States in Play: November

    Election Opinions

    States in Play: November

  • Opinions

    Election Opinions

    Opinion: States in Play

  • Activists gather outside of the Duval County Courthouse in response to the recent death of transgender community members.

    Election Opinions

    OPINION: The Trump administration’s latest attack on transgender Americans

  • Several companies set up booths run by female representatives. (Photo courtesy of PS27)

    Events

    UNF and PS27 host Female Founders Forum for aspiring female entrepreneurs

  • Student Government banner

    Latest

    SG spring 2024 election results: uncontested president, Senate sweep and constitutional revisions approved

  • Breaking down proposed constitutional revisions ahead of spring 2024 SG election

    Latest

    Breaking down proposed constitutional revisions ahead of spring 2024 SG election

  • Cover of The First Day by R.E. Druin

    Book Reviews

    Power of Ten: The First Day, a review

  • UNF catcher Dallen Leach takes his lead off of third base on Tuesday’s game against Florida.

    Baseball

    Mercy rule secures UNF baseball a series win over Seton Hall

  • UNF men’s basketball players among those awarded ASUN postseason honors

    Basketball

    UNF men’s basketball players among those awarded ASUN postseason honors

  • (Photo courtesy of UNF Swoop Troupe)

    Events

    Carrie: The Musical, a review

Navigate Right

Comments (0)

Spinnaker intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, slurs, defamation, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and will be removed if they do not adhere to these standards. Spinnaker does not allow anonymous comments, and Spinnaker requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All UNF Spinnaker Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *