Voter Outreach Groups Struggle Under New GOP-Led State Laws

(OurNationNews.com) -A Florida law signed last year by Governor Ron Desantis is having a big impact on the ability of voter outreach groups to help citizens register to vote for the election. The Equal Ground Education Fund had more than 100 workers registering people to vote in 2020 by attending festivals and walking door to door. For the 2024 election cycle, the organization will be attempting to reach out to potential voters digitally rather than in person.

Kansas, Missouri, and Texas have all signed similar measures into law in an attempt to make the election more transparent and fair. The laws in these states impose criminal penalties and monetary fines to individuals that help register voters in person. These organizations have faced significant funding pitfalls and now have to adjust their outreach strategies to stay compliant with the new law.

The Kansas legislature passed a bill that calls for felony charges against anyone who is believed to be impersonating an election worker. This happened after Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, vetoed the bill. One election outreach organization ceased operations following the law. They said that the minority citizens often perceive the organization’s workers to be election workers despite being told otherwise.

Some people have criticized the laws as an attempt to suppress the vote, specifically in minority communities. They say that local election offices don’t provide enough support and education to help citizens register to vote.

The Brennan Center for Justice, a non-profit law institution, found that 29 states have passed a total of 94 laws that suppress the vote. They say this includes the reduction of polling precincts in minority neighborhoods and changes to voter ID laws. The organization also refers to changes in absentee ballot rules and removing registered voters from the system.

The discussion about voter fraud has been a common theme since accusations of election tampering were rampant in 2020. Senator Ted Cruz was asked by CNN if he would accept the results of the 2024 election. He asked the host why Hillary Clinton is never asked the same question after she alleged Russian interference when she lost the 2016 election.