A Comprehensive Study of Voter Identification Laws and the Discriminatory Effect They Have on Voting Rights

One of the most primary and essential rights of every American is equal opportunity to access the polls. Voting rights have been tirelessly fought for by people from many demographic backgrounds throughout the history of the United States. Now, due to the weakening of the Voting Rights Act, it is now easier for states across the nation to place voting identification legislation on the books that may change not only voter turnout at the polls, but also the ability of all Americans to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This thesis covers all aspects of the controversy over voter identification laws, including the history of voting rights and laws; the partisan arguments on the issue of voter identification requirements; current events concerning the new laws; and past empirical studies on the effect voter identification laws have on turnout. Last, this study will conclude with an examination of original data used to test for the discriminatory effects of new voter identification laws across five states. The data for this original study was collected through various resources such as state department of motor vehicle websites and the United Census Bureau. This is a dynamic issue that may have a strong influence in a vital election cycle, as this will be the first presidential election without the backbone of the Voting Rights Act