The Democrat Party’s latest platform calls for increased Department of Justice involvement in state election laws under the banner of “voting rights.” The platform, revealed ahead of their national convention in Chicago, proposes expanding the DOJ’s reach to challenge state laws that Democrats claim could suppress minority votes.
At the core of the platform is the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would grant the DOJ new powers to intervene in state elections. The act seeks to restore provisions struck down by the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder, which had previously required certain states to get federal approval before changing election laws. The ruling deemed the oversight outdated, but Democrats aim to bring it back with even stricter controls.
Georgia’s voter ID law has become a key target, with President Biden labeling it “Jim Crow 2.0.” Despite these claims, a Pew Research study shows that 81% of Americans support voter ID requirements. Critics argue that the Democrat push for federal intervention ignores both public opinion and the constitutional authority of states to manage their own elections.
The DOJ has already filed lawsuits against states like Arizona and Georgia over their election laws, reflecting a broader strategy to centralize election control. Conservatives warn that this move is less about protecting voting rights and more about consolidating power at the federal level. As the 2024 election approaches, the battle over who controls America’s elections is set to intensify.
