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Voting is perhaps the most fundamental act of democratic citizenship. In a democracy, our political leaders receive their mandate, and the system itself derives its legitimacy, from the people who elect them. In the United States, however, the right to vote has never been extended universally. Although the franchise has expanded to include many more citizens since 1776, these gains have come haltingly and unevenly. Even as women gained suffrage, African Americans were kept from the polls in many parts of the country for decades. And elected officials have long meddled with district boundaries to choose their constituents, rather than the other way around. This month, hosts Lauren Henry and Eric Michael Rhodes speak with two experts on voter disenfranchisement in the United States—Professors Daniel P. Tokaji and Pippa Holloway—to consider the past and present of voting rights. How does historical voter suppression continue to affect electoral outcomes today? Listen in to find out. To learn more about the history of voting, check out these Origins features: A History of Stolen Citizenship; Re-mapping American Politics: The Redistricting Revolution Fifty Years Later Posted: July 2019 Connect with us! Email: Origins@osu.edu Twitter: @OriginsOSU Instagram: @OriginsOSU Facebook: @OriginsOSU Find transcripts, background reading, and more at origins.osu.edu
An interview with Dean Daniel P. Tokaji of the University of Wisconsin Law School. Dean Tokaji discusses two recent pieces he authored on election law as well as an upcoming article relying on the scholarship of Neil Komesar, University of Wisconsin Law School Professor Emeritus. Dean Tokaji's work is especially relevant today and he has excellent insights into the future of truth and democracy.
With the continuing global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during a presidential election year, election officials across the country are attempting to quickly devise and implement plans that account for the needs of vulnerable voters and poll workers. What changes to election administration are needed and possible in states holding primary elections over the next several weeks? What can be done to prepare for November? Could a federal election be delayed or even cancelled due to public health concerns, and if so, by whom? Does the federal government have any authority to interfere with primaries, which are regulated by the states, on account of national health emergency? Featured speakers: • Hannah Fried, National Campaign Director, All Voting Is Local • Elizabeth Howard, Counsel, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice • Daniel P. Tokaji, Charles W. Ebersold and Florence Whitcomb Ebersold Professor of Constitutional Law, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law • Lindsay Langholz, Director of Policy and Program, ACS, Moderator
Patt Morrison talks with Daniel P. Tokaji on whether the right to vote is a use-it-or-lose-it proposition. Daniel Tokaji is a professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of law and Senior Fellow of Election Law. He teaches courses on Election Law, Constitutional Law, Federal Law, Civil Procedure, and Legislation.