Two Views on Voter ID Laws

The Takeaway

More than a dozen states have passed new laws that civil rights advocates say will discourage minority turnout at the polls in next year’s elections. The laws range from laws requiring voters to present a photo ID before casting their ballot, to restrictions on early voting and new rules that make it harder for former felons to vote. A study by NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice estimates the law will impact more than five million voters and could well alter the turnout of a close election. Hans von Spakovsky is a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and the manager of their Civil Justice Reform Initiative. He’s also a former member of the Federal Election Commission. He favors voter ID laws.
Michael Waldman, the executive director of New York University’s Brennan Center for Justice, discusses why he believes the laws are discriminatory.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!