Republicans passed a slew of restrictive voting laws in states across the country in 2012, but many of the worst were blocked by courts. This election cycle, the GOP has doubled down on its efforts to make voting harder — several voting restrictions are now in effect for the first time in a major election in many states. A handful of restrictions were struck down by courts, but the overall trend has been toward stricter voter ID requirements, shorter early voting periods and the elimination of same-day registration. Test how closely you’ve been following this trend, and then take a look at our state-by-state analysis of new voting restrictions.
All the other states introduced new photo ID requirements that go into effect this election cycle.
All the other states shortened the early voting period for this election cycle.
Republican Senate candidate Thom Tillis played a key role in shepherding North Carolina’s new voting law through the legislature last year as speaker of the state House.
The Supreme Court approved a restrictive Texas voter ID law for the upcoming election, staying an order from a lower court that had blocked the law.
Justice Scalia filed the majority opinion, and Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Ginsburg issued a strong dissent. There were reports of Arkansas poll workers quizzing voters on their personal information after being shown ID, and using electronic card strip readers to verify ID. Though the law was blocked for this election, it is scheduled to go into effect after in the next election, barring further litigation. The Justice Department had submitted a supportive brief in favor of keeping the week open.
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