One of the fundamental features of our democracy is our right to vote. Yet across the country, legislation has been introduced in many states to impose restrictions on the ability to vote. In Florida, a proposed bill would place heavy restrictions on voter registration drives and limit the time period for voters to cast early ballots. Other states are passing laws requiring photo identification in order to vote.

Voting should be as unrestricted as possible. States like New Hampshire and Connecticut allow Election Day registration. In New Hampshire, a bill has been introduced to end this practice. These states tend to have a statistically significant greater turnout than states that impose voter registration deadlines. Deadlines also disproportionately affect the turnout of minorities.

Arizona permits registration online. Some other states are also trying to allow registration online. In a variety of other democracies, voter registration is compulsory, automatic or not required — citizens may vote without needing to be registered. Unfortunately the United States, as usual, adapts slowly.

However, easing voting restrictions could encourage voter fraud — a grossly overestimated occurrence. Voter fraud is occasionally blamed for upsets in an election outcome. This has prompted states to consider bills that require a photo ID to vote. A bill in Texas would require a photo ID, yet excuses gun owners and seniors from needing to show any.

These laws that require voters to show ID are rarely rooted in statistical evidence of voter fraud — only the perception of it. Individuals who blame voter fraud often lack the same outrage of the 2000 elections, when Al Gore actually won the presidency, had all votes been counted. This was a case where voters did not actually choose who the president was. Somehow voter fraud — rather than another flaw in system — is thought to be a greater problem.

Our goal as a country should be to remove anything impeding voting. Not everyone must vote, but voting should be as easy as possible. Making more obstacles serves no purpose and is counterproductive to the ideals of democracy. Over the course of U.S. history, the Constitution has been amended to allow women and people of all races to vote, and poll taxes have been abolished.

Now is the time for states to remove the remaining restrictions on voting. This includes restrictions on the number of signatures needed for one’s name to appear on the ballot. All should be easily able to express their opinion through voting and should be allowed an equal opportunity to serve in office. Candidates ought not to be restricted from a ballot based off of their inability to accrue a set number of signatures. Nor should candidates be practically required to have a party affiliation and great amount of wealth to be elected. We can witness the negative effects of what this official — and unofficial — system has produced.

Requirements for voter registration and the need for signatures are not outlined in the Constitution and are an impediment to the democratic process. Measures like changing Election Day to be a holiday or weekend would be a positive change. Modernizing the voting process and removing restrictions only represent further steps toward real democracy. Trying to make policy to discourage voters works against the ideals on which this country was founded.

Published on May 2, 2011 at 12:00 pm