Less than one year from now, millions of Americans will head to polling places across the country to cast their ballots in the 2012 Election. While significant progress has been made to expand the franchise, issues surrounding voter access persist. Recent changes in state laws, together with newly adopted redistricting maps, could have a significant impact on many elections around the country in 2012. At ACS’s “Political Participation: A National Conversation Examining the State of Voting Rights for 2012,” Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez delivered featured remarks.
Tag: voting symposium
Voting Symposium: Redistricting and the 2012 Election
ACS hosted “Political Participation: A National Conversation Examining the State of Voting Rights for 2012.”In February 2011, the Census Bureau began releasing the full-count population data that drives redistricting across the country. Many states have redrawn political lines to ensure population equity among districts. Some of these changes will impact federal, state, and local elections. What did the 2010 Census tell us about America’s changed demographics? What is the status of the redistricting process in the states? Where has litigation emerged to challenge new redistricting maps? What are the emerging legal issues? How will the new plans impact minority representation? Panelists examined these questions and discussed the impact of the adoption of newly drawn districts for the 2012 election.
The panel featured:
- Moderator, Charles Mahtesian, National Politics Editor, Politico
- Jessica Ring Amunson, Associate, Jenner & Block
- E. Mark Braden, Of Counsel, Baker Hostetler
- Anita Earls, Executive Director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
- Marcia Johnson-Blanco, Co-Director, Voting Rights Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Nina Perales, Director of Litigation, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Voting Symposium: Examining the Impact of State Voting Law Changes for 2012
ACS hosted “Political Participation: A National Conversation Examining the State of Voting Rights for 2012.” With a flurry of state legislation passed in recent months modifying state election laws, what impact will this legislation have on voter participation during the next election cycle? What proactive steps can be taken to eliminate barriers and expand voter access to the ballot box? Panelists examined these questions and discussed a range of topics including photo identification requirements, proof of citizenship laws, voter registration restrictions, and early and absentee voting.
The panel featured:
- Moderator, Pam Fessler, Correspondent, Poverty and Philanthropy, National Public Radio
- John C. Fortier, AEI Adjunct Scholar, American Enterprise Institute
- Edward A. Hailes, Jr., General Counsel/Managing Director, Advancement Project
- Laura W. Murphy, Director, Washington Legislative Office, American Civil Liberties Union
- Lawrence Norden, Deputy Director, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice