You will research four (4) major issues affecting elections (see below). Follow the
directions for each issue listed. When researching, consider only events/changes and laws that
came after the 2020 elections or in the run-up to the 2022 midterm. All four categories require a
minimum of 250 words for a total of two (2) pages minimum using the formatting guidelines at the
end of the document.
1. Obstacles for voters: In a number of states, new laws making it harder for individuals to
vote are on the books. They can include items such as stricter voter ID requirements,
reduced voting hours, minimized eligibility for mail-in ballots, limited number of drop boxes,
no early voting, etc. States with notable restrictive practices include Arizona, Florida, Texas,
Georgia, and Wisconsin.
a. Select two states from the above list or from your own research and outline the
range of methods employed to obstruct or limit people’s ability to vote in each
state. Provide some detail on each, for instance ~ how it works, who the obstruction
is targeting, the reasons given for the new obstacle and if the reason is valid, etc.
2. Changes in how the vote is counted and certified: A number of states have enacted or
proposed changes in laws that takes power away from those normally charged with
counting and certifying elections, and instead giving the role to state legislatures who are

 

Sample Solution

I chose Arizona and Florida as the two states from the list above. In Arizona, there are a number of methods employed to obstruct or limit people’s ability to vote. One example is the state law that requires individuals who register to vote by mail for the first time in their county of residence to provide documentation such as a copy of their driver’s license or another form of government issued identification with their registration application. This law disproportionately impacts Native American communities whose members often reside on tribal lands and do not have access to valid forms of identification.