The upcoming November election may present varying levels of ease or difficulty for voters depending on the state in which they reside. A recent report by Justice has analyzed the implementation of new voting laws across the United States, revealing significant changes in voting accessibility.
According to the report, 11 states have taken steps to make voting easier for their residents. For example, Kentucky now permits mail-in ballots to be sent to addresses different from those on file under certain circumstances. In Nebraska, voting rights have been restored for ex-felons who have completed their sentences, including probation, without the previous two-year waiting period.
Conversely, the report highlights that the majority of states, totaling 28, have enacted laws since 2020 that create barriers to voting. Alabama and Idaho have introduced criminal penalties for assisting with absentee voting in certain situations. In North Carolina, a new law stipulates that mail-in ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on election day to be counted, eliminating the previous three-day grace period.
These contrasting trends in voting laws underscore the importance of understanding the regulations in place in each state to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote. As the election approaches, staying informed about the voting procedures and requirements in your state is crucial to participating in the democratic process.
