Restrictive Voter Laws On The Rise
August 23rd, 2012
This year, 41 states have introduced at least 180 bills that would reduce voting, some by requiring an ID at the polls, curbing registration drives done by civic engagement groups like the Voter Participation Center (VPC), or limiting times for early and in-person balloting. This is a deadly serious problem that could keep as many as 5 million qualified voters from the polls in November, according to the Brennan Center.
But humor and hyperbole — stretching a point to make a point — can be effect tools in driving home the seriousness of an issue — a truth the satirical writers of The Onion count on.
Here is their take on some of the more controversial laws restrictive voting laws under consideration:
- Nevada: Polling places will no longer supply ballots; voters must bring their own
- Ohio: Voters must present valid Republican Party membership card
- Tennessee: All registered voters must show up at polling areas with at least one normal-looking coworker who promises that voter is cool
- Pennsylvania: No restrictions
- Kentucky: Polling place staffed by voters’ high school girlfriends and boyfriends
- Alabama: Voters required to correctly guess the number the voting inspector is thinking of
- Arboria: To be deemed worthy, potential voters must complete the Rite of Passage ceremony by sticking their hands into the hollow stump
- Oregon: Voters have to give five reasons why voting actually matters
- Minnesota: Each voter must devise one new voting restriction for next person in line before being allowed to enter booth
