The Political Realm: Journal of Undergraduate Research in Political Science and International Relations
Abstract
In this article, the author argues that the recent wave of restrictive voting laws in the United States is driven less by genuine concerns about voter fraud and more by Republican efforts to counteract demographic and political changes that disadvantage the party electorally. Reviewing political science research, it shows that while some restrictions—especially felon disenfranchisement—clearly suppress turnout among marginalized groups, the overall electoral effects of most laws remain mixed due to backlash mobilization and uneven implementation. The paper concludes that despite uncertain partisan gains, these restrictions pose significant risks to democratic equality and require both short‑term mobilization and long‑term structural reforms to safeguard voting rights.
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Recommended Citation
Kenny, Brian
(2026)
"Restrictive Voting Laws in the United States,"
The Political Realm: Journal of Undergraduate Research in Political Science and International Relations: Vol. 35, Article 2.
Available at:
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/political-realm/vol35/iss1/2