The Cost of Voter Suppression
A new report by All Voting is Local(AVL) documents the regression in voting rights and access to the polls since the lapse of federal protections --- and its costs. According to the Brennan Center, 29 states, including Florida, have enacted nearly 100 laws restricting voting access since the Supreme Court gutted the federal Voting Rights Act a decade ago. Following the 2020 election alone, states have advanced a record-breaking number of anti-voter and anti-democracy bills and policies. At least 848 restrictive bills were considered in 39 states, including bills to remove drop boxes, cut early voting access, create burdensome requirements and fines for third-party voter registration organizations, adopt voter ID laws, and purge voters from the rolls without basis. These practices have directly impacted turnout, particularly for non-white voters. They have also exacted an economic toll. AVL estimates a first-time voter will spend $105.53 to vote, including costs for meeting registration additional requirements, travel, and related fees. While costs are highest for first-time voters, they are recurring for all voters at some level and disproportionately impact those with lower incomes.
Surveys show more than 80% of all people who are eligible to vote agree that voting should be as easy as possible because it is a fundamental right and responsibility that is crucial to our democracy. Failure of Congress to re-enact voter protections, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, led advocates to focus on state-level protections. Last spring, Democratic lawmakers introduced the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Voting Rights Act of Florida (FLVRA) which languished in the GOP-controlled legislature. Locally, BAM participates in the Duval Voting Rights Coalition and its work to remedy polling deserts in areas like UNF and District 10 where 80%+ of registered voters are Black. While action on voting rights bills is unlikely prior to the November elections, we can advocate for better access locally. Email Duval Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland today and urge him to add a polling site in District 10!
RSVP for BAM/IMLegislative Wrap Up June 5!
Fill out the School Superintendent Survey by this Tuesday, 5/21! Also, join us at the special School Board Meeting
Scroll down for more information.
The Duval County Public School Board will be selecting the NEW SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT of our local public schools this week! (Scroll down for information on the board meeting date and time.)
You have an opportunity to influence their selection by filling out the DCPS Superintendent Finalist Survey, ASAP. The chart below was created by the progressive Public School Defenders here in Duval County - consult it or do your own research, but please make your opinion known regarding this critical decision.
Please Join Us at the
Special School Board Meeting!
The Duval County School Board will hold a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. The meeting will be held in the Cline Auditorium, at the Administration Building at 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207. The purpose is to discuss the following topic(s):
SELECT THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
NEW SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT
ONE-MILL REFERENDUM STATUS UPDATES
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