Georgia, with its long history of Black voter suppression, has been a battleground for voting rights laws for many years. Stark differences in voter turnout between white and nonwhite communities have been common in the state, with nonwhite communities typically voting at lower rates. However, in the 2012 election, Black voters under 38 in Lowndes County actually had a higher turnout rate than white voters of similar age.
The 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act, had significant implications on voting laws in Georgia and other states. This decision led to the removal of a provision requiring states with a history of racial discrimination to obtain permission from the Justice Department before changing voting laws. Subsequent laws, including restrictions on voting by mail and voter ID requirements, have disproportionately affected historically marginalized voters.
Recent research indicates that the gap in voter turnout between white and nonwhite voters has grown faster in areas that lost federal oversight after the Shelby decision. Younger voters, in particular, have been more impacted by changes to voting laws, leading to a wider racial turnout gap among this demographic.
In the upcoming 2024 election, turning out the youth vote will be crucial, especially for President Biden. However, recent trends show a decline in youth voter turnout, raising concerns about the impact of changes to voting laws on this demographic.
If you’re an undecided voter in states like Arizona, Georgia, or Michigan, we want to hear from you. Share your perspective on politics and how you’re approaching the upcoming election. We value your input and will respect your privacy.
