Grassroots Voting Gains Traction in Some States, Faces Hurdles Elsewhere

Many citizens are concerned about the state of democracy in the U.S., particularly regarding the integrity of the election system. However, amidst this unease, several states have made notable strides toward a more inclusive democratic process in recent years.

With over two decades of experience in voting rights advocacy, I have witnessed various challenges to fair elections. Fortunately, the last two years have marked significant progress in expanding access to the ballot.

Take Minnesota, for instance. In 2023, the state legislature enacted the Democracy for the People Act, a comprehensive bill introducing vital voting reforms. This legislation permits 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote, automatically activating their registration upon turning 18. Additionally, the bill implements automatic voter registration at motor vehicle and public assistance agencies, enhances absentee voting by creating a permanent absentee voter list, and mandates that voting materials be available in multiple languages.

Another notable piece of legislation in Minnesota, the Restore the Vote Act, reinstated voting rights for over 55,000 citizens previously convicted of a felony. This change ensures that individuals are eligible to vote immediately upon release from incarceration, streamlining the process that previously required the completion of probation and parole.

New Mexico also made significant improvements through the 2023 Voting Rights Act. This law restores voting rights immediately after release from prison, enhances voting access on tribal lands, and mandates same-day registration at polling stations. Furthermore, it guarantees that every county will have multiple ballot drop boxes to facilitate absentee voting.

In Michigan and Nevada, grassroots coalitions similarly succeeded in advancing voter rights. Michigan’s advances resulted from the Promote the Vote coalition, which successfully passed a voting-related ballot initiative in 2022, followed by multiple voting rights bills in 2023. The legislation now includes provisions for nine days of early voting and the option for voters to receive mail ballots automatically.

Nevada has enacted several measures aimed at increasing voter access, including mandatory vote centers on tribal land and automatic mail-in ballot distribution to all active registered voters. Same-day voter registration has also been introduced, allowing voters to register and cast their ballots simultaneously.

A critical factor in these victories was the involvement of grassroots organizations. Leaders emerging from affected communities provided a crucial perspective, highlighting personal stories that resonate with lawmakers. For instance, Minnesota’s Restore the Vote Coalition was spearheaded by formerly incarcerated individuals, humanizing the issue of disenfranchisement for lawmakers.

As new laws come into effect, the challenge shifts to ensuring they are implemented effectively. Local election officials are collaborating with organizers to establish robust procedures for these new voting opportunities. Innovative outreach efforts are underway to raise awareness about easier registration and voting processes, including community events and engaging activities designed to attract younger voters.

While scholars have long recognized the potential impact of election reform laws, the real test will be in how effectively these initiatives are communicated and utilized in practice. The collaborative work in these states exemplifies a movement toward a more inclusive electoral process, with organizers playing a pivotal role in both advocacy and implementation.