Voting rights advocacy has been a civil rights issue for decades. Current voter suppression has manifested itself in a variety of ways, including racial gerrymandering, voter ID laws,and disproportionate distribution of election day resources. Voter suppression laws affect all women, however, a disproportionate impact falls on women of color and low-income women, students and the elderly. The 2016 election was the first presidential election since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was weakened through the Supreme Court’s ruling in Shelby v. Holder, which cleared the way for states to enact voter suppression legislation.
NOW’s Action Agenda:
- Watch our kick-off Facebook Live event from March 15th in partnership with the Voting Rights Alliance! More information here.
Take Action!
Take Action: Florida’s Voting Rights Restoration Act
Currently, more than 1.5 million Floridians are unable to vote due to felon disenfranchisement laws. The Voting Rights Restoration Act (VRRA) has the potential to change this. Check out our VRRA toolkit to see how you can get involved!
Sign Our Petition to End Voter Suppression!
Every person who is entitled to vote should be able to cast their ballot easily and conveniently. Sign NOW’s petition and protect your right to vote!
Resources
Resources to Go: A Voting Rights Pamphlet
Click here to download our pamphlet on voting rights and learn how the issue effects women!
Advance Voting Rights: Outside Resources
A compilation of voting rights resources; everything from racial gerrymandering to what to do if you feel you have been a victim of voter intimidation
Info Brief: Shelby v. Holder
This brief provides background on the 2013 Supreme Court case that opened the floodgates for discriminatory voting policies across the country.
Info Brief: Racial Gerrymandering
Racial gerrymandering is a huge issue in our country today. Check out this brief and find out how racial gerrymandering begins, who it affects, and why the problem has become endemic in Republican states around the US.
Activist Toolkits
Advance Voting Rights Social Media Toolkit
Voting suppression is pervasive across the country. Take a look at our social media toolkit and learn more about how YOU can get involved in the digital world.
Advance Voting Rights: The Issues
A complete guide to contemporary voting issues. From racial gerrymandering to the importance of women running for office, we are giving you the 411 on voting rights today!
Raise Your Voice: How to Lobby, Write an Op-Ed, or an LTE
A quick guide for those new to lobbying or writing for news outlets.