The right to vote—the cornerstone of American democracy—has long been fought for, won, and then threatened again. It’s a cycle that seems never-ending, a battle that stretches across history, from the time of the Founding Fathers to the present day. But, despite progress, despite landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the question remains: why is the voting rights battle far from over?

The fight for voting rights has always been a high-stakes affair. It’s not just about casting a ballot; it’s about who has power, who gets to decide the future of the nation, and, ultimately, who gets to shape society. That’s why voting rights issues are never just a political talking point—they’re existential questions of equality, justice, and freedom. And it’s this very fight that is still alive today, perhaps in ways that many of us might not realize.

The Fragility of the Voting Rights Act

One of the primary reasons why the voting rights battle is far from over is the fragility of the laws that were meant to protect it. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned racial discrimination in voting practices, was hailed as a monumental achievement in the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, a significant part of this legislation was gutted by the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. This ruling struck down a critical section of the Act, which required certain states with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws.

The court ruled that the formula used to determine which states required federal oversight was outdated, and as a result, it left many vulnerable communities without the protection they had relied on for nearly 50 years. With that decision, the floodgates opened for voter ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and other restrictive voting measures. Suddenly, the progress made in the 1960s was in jeopardy, and the fight for voting rights was thrust back into the national spotlight.

Since the Shelby decision, many states have enacted new laws that critics argue disproportionately affect minority voters. These laws include strict voter ID requirements, limited early voting, and reductions in polling locations, all of which have been shown to hinder the ability of marginalized groups to vote. For instance, in states like Georgia and Texas, some new laws have led to long waiting times at polling stations, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino voters.

Voter Suppression and Its Many Forms

Voter suppression is not just about overtly denying people the right to vote; it’s about creating obstacles that make it harder for certain communities to participate in the democratic process. Even in the digital age, with a wealth of resources at our fingertips, the methods of disenfranchisement have evolved. In some cases, they are more subtle but no less effective.

Take, for example, the recent wave of voter ID laws. These laws claim to be about preventing fraud, but they often disproportionately impact poor, elderly, and minority voters who may not have easy access to government-issued identification. It’s not just about getting a card; for many, it requires navigating a maze of bureaucratic red tape that can be impossible to overcome.

Then, there’s the issue of gerrymandering—the practice of drawing district lines in a way that skews representation in favor of one political party over another. Gerrymandering continues to be a significant issue, particularly in states like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. While the Supreme Court has ruled on some aspects of gerrymandering, it remains a loophole through which voting rights can be eroded. Instead of reflecting the will of the people, these lines often represent the desires of those in power, who are willing to go to great lengths to maintain it.

The rise of absentee voting and mail-in ballots, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also sparked a new round of voting restrictions. While some states expanded access to these options to protect public health during the pandemic, other states have rolled back these reforms. Whether through limiting access to drop boxes, requiring notarized signatures, or even rejecting ballots for minor mistakes, these restrictions disproportionately affect working-class voters and those in rural areas. It’s a clear example of how one group’s access to voting can be manipulated in ways that hurt others.

The Role of Misinformation

Another critical aspect that keeps the battle for voting rights ongoing is the role misinformation plays in shaping public opinion and policy. In today’s hyper-connected world, false claims of widespread voter fraud are rampant. These claims, often spread on social media, not only sow distrust in the electoral process but also provide a foundation for restrictive voting laws. When certain political groups push the idea that elections are “rigged,” they justify measures that suppress voting rights under the guise of safeguarding democracy.

The result? A portion of the population believes that their vote doesn’t matter, and as a result, many choose not to vote at all. In fact, the fear of fraudulent voting has been shown to have a chilling effect on legitimate voters. This cycle—propagating mistrust, enacting suppressive laws, and driving down voter participation—has become a tool for some political operatives to maintain power.

The Future of Voting Rights

So, where does the battle go from here? The reality is, the fight for voting rights is ongoing because the political and legal landscape is constantly changing. With each new law that restricts access to the polls, there will be another set of activists, organizations, and communities pushing back. The importance of voting rights has never been clearer. From efforts to restore the full Voting Rights Act to initiatives that focus on expanding voter access, advocates are working tirelessly to ensure that every American’s voice is heard.

One area of progress is the push for automatic voter registration and efforts to expand early voting. Many states are moving toward these reforms, with states like Oregon leading the charge. The idea behind automatic voter registration is simple: when you interact with government agencies, you should be automatically registered to vote, unless you opt out. This eliminates the barriers posed by outdated registration systems and ensures that more people can participate in the democratic process.

Additionally, groups like Fair Fight Action, founded by Stacey Abrams, have played a crucial role in shining a spotlight on voter suppression and pushing for reforms, particularly in the South. The battle may not be over, but it’s clear that the momentum is on the side of progress.

The Fight Is Not Over

The history of voting rights in America is far from linear. Each victory is often followed by a setback, but that doesn’t mean the fight should cease. With every new wave of restrictive laws, there’s a corresponding wave of resistance. The right to vote is not just a political issue; it’s a civil rights issue. And as long as there are barriers to voting, the battle will continue.

The question isn’t whether the battle for voting rights is over—it’s about how long we, as a nation, will allow these obstacles to persist. Each person who stands up, speaks out, and demands access to the polls is a voice in the fight. And as long as those voices remain loud and strong, the battle for voting rights will never be truly over.