Something Was Wrong: S21 E17 Data Points Deep Dive – The History and Importance of Voting

Host: Tiffany Reese
Podcast: Something Was Wrong
Producer: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Release Date: September 26, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Something Was Wrong, host Tiffany Reese delves into the intricate history and enduring significance of voting in the United States. Collaborating with team members Amy B. Chesler, Lily Rowe, and Becca High, Reese unpacks how voting rights have evolved and why they remain critical, especially for survivors of crime and abuse whose lives are directly influenced by legislation and elected officials.

The Foundations of American Voting

Reese begins by tracing the origins of the American voting system to the nation's founding in 1776. Unlike monarchies that dominated the era, the United States established a democratic framework where elected officials wielded power. However, the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1789, did not explicitly define voting rights, leaving each state to regulate its own eligibility criteria.

Notable Quote:
“Elections dictate what is criminally wrong and punishable, and as citizens, we have the ability to propose that legislation and watch those laws be voted into action.”
— Tiffany Reese [10:59]

The creation of the Electoral College was a pivotal compromise intended to balance power between populous northern states and slaveholding southern states. Initially designed to prevent southern states from being disadvantaged by the population-driven popular vote, the Electoral College has been criticized for its undemocratic tendencies and racially charged origins.

Early Voting Rights and Restrictions

The first presidential election in 1789 marked the formal voting process in the U.S., but suffrage was restricted to white male landowners over the age of 21, with New Jersey as an exception allowing property-owning women to vote. Discriminatory practices continued to exclude Catholics, Jews, Quakers, and various other groups from voting.

Notable Quote:
"The 12th Amendment changed the voting landscape forever. Instead of casting two ballots for president, Electoral College members now distinctly cast one vote for president and one vote for a vice president, which remains to be the case today."
— Tiffany Reese [10:59]

By 1856, all states had abolished the land ownership requirement, solidifying white men over 21 as the primary electorate. However, this period also saw the entrenchment of slavery, leading to significant civil unrest and the eventual Civil War.

Abolition and the Struggle for Equality

The Civil War era brought monumental changes, including the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which formally abolished slavery. Despite these advancements, President Andrew Johnson's lenient policies allowed the rise of "black codes" and the Ku Klux Klan, which terrorized African Americans and undermined their newly acquired freedoms.

Notable Quote:
"Their cause must be our cause, too, because it's not just Negroes, but really it's all of us who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shall overcome."
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [31:41]

The 14th Amendment (1868) and the 15th Amendment (1870) further sought to guarantee citizenship and voting rights regardless of race, color, or previous servitude. Nonetheless, discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes continued to suppress minority voters.

The Women's Suffrage Movement

Parallel to African American struggles were the relentless efforts of the women's suffrage movement. Pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth faced immense backlash, including arrests and brutal treatment, as they fought for the right to vote. Their perseverance culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. However, this victory primarily benefited white women, as women of color still faced significant barriers.

Notable Quote:
"The suffragettes successfully protested all over the country with their first march taking place in 1908 in New York. Over 1,000 women were arrested from the start of the 20th century to the beginning of World War I while trying to vote or while protesting for their right to vote."
— Tiffany Reese [10:59]

Civil Rights Movement and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

The mid-20th century Civil Rights Movement was a turning point for voting rights in America. The brutal murders of activists James Cheney, Michael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman in 1964 highlighted the urgent need for federal intervention. In response to violent suppression in Selma, Alabama, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders spearheaded the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Notable Quote:
"The public reaction to the increasing violence in Alabama, Mississippi, and across the country, as well as Johnson's initiative, spurred Congress to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act."
— Tiffany Reese [34:47]

This landmark legislation prohibited discriminatory practices and led to a significant increase in African American voter registration. By the end of 1965, a quarter-million new black voters had been registered, though challenges persisted due to systemic racism and voter suppression tactics.

Modern Challenges: Voter Suppression and Fraud

Despite historical progress, voting rights remain under threat. The episode explores contemporary issues such as voter suppression and voter fraud, emphasizing that voter intimidation disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

Notable Quote:
"Voter suppression is something that has been occurring since the beginning of American history, and it continues to this day."
— Tiffany Reese [34:47]

In 2021, 19 states enacted 34 new laws restricting access to voting, including stringent voter ID requirements and limitations on mail-in voting. The Brennan Center for Justice highlights that voter fraud is exceedingly rare, with most allegations being unfounded or resulting from administrative errors.

The Importance of Voter Engagement

Reese underscores the critical role of voter participation in shaping legislation that affects survivors of crime and abuse. Encouraging voter registration, combating misinformation, and supporting fair voting practices are essential steps in ensuring that all voices are heard.

Notable Quote:
"American Citizens' right to exercise our vote is a privilege that nearly took 200 years to fight for; therefore, we should not take it for granted."
— Tiffany Reese [34:47]

The episode concludes by advocating for active civic engagement, urging listeners to become allies in the fight against voter suppression by raising awareness, assisting in voter registration efforts, and volunteering at polling places.

Conclusion

Something Was Wrong eloquently maps the arduous journey toward inclusive voting rights in the United States, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic barriers. By examining historical milestones and modern-day challenges, Tiffany Reese emphasizes the indispensable power of the vote in shaping a just and equitable society. This episode serves as both a reminder of past sacrifices and a call to action to protect and expand voting rights for all Americans.

Resources and Further Information:

• Vote.org: vote.org – Register to vote, check your registration, and find volunteer opportunities.
• Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Collaborations with Rock the Vote, Voto Latino, and more.
• SomethingWasWrong.com/resources: Comprehensive list of organizations dedicated to increasing voter accessibility and decreasing voter suppression.

Join the Conversation:
Engage with the Something Was Wrong community by visiting SomethingWasWrong.com and exploring the resources provided to support voting rights initiatives.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, historical insights, and critical analyses presented in the episode, providing a thorough understanding for those who have yet to listen.