Resources

The following is our recommended list of Resources. Our list compiles select writings by leading academics, organizers, journalists, and litigators on topics relevant to the Right to Vote Initiative, including right-to-vote amendment language and the history of the right to vote and race.  We also feature webinars and other up-to-date resources.

By Derek Muller | October 17, 2016

What Does It Mean to Have A Fundamental Right to Vote? Excess of Democracy (May 28, 2013)

Professor Derek Muller poses a series of questions about the right-to-vote amendment.

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By Scott Lemieux | October 17, 2016

The Big Problem with the Constitutional Right to Vote Amendment The Week, Nov. 14, 2014

Professor Scott Lemieux observes:

“The courts . . . are unlikely to protect the right to vote unless the principle has substantial political support.  And that, in the end, may be the best reason to mobilize a constitutional right to vote, despite its limitations.  A new amendment may not do much in theory — but if a movement can increase popular support for the right to vote, it’s worth it in itself.”

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By Alexander Keyssar | October 17, 2016

Who Gets To Vote? N.Y. Times, Sept. 30, 2016

Professor Alexander Keyssar surveys ways to make voting more “open, accessible, and democratic.”  He then suggests:

“We could even go whole hog and put a right to vote in our Constitution, a venerable idea now promoted by two Democratic representatives, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Keith Ellison of Minnesota.”

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By Pamela Karlan | October 17, 2016

Congressional Power To Establish An Affirmative Right To Vote Paper Prepared at Request of Advancement Project (July 2005)

Professor Pam Karlan evaluates the sources of power upon which Congress could establish a federal statutory right to vote.  On file with Advancement Project.  Available upon request.

By Jesse L. Jackson Jr. | October 17, 2016

The U.S. Constitution Contains No Explicit Affirmative Individual Right To Vote! (Claim Democracy Conference) (Nov. 22, 2003)

Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. presents the case for a right-to-vote amendment:

“There’s only one way to legally guarantee ‘an equal right to vote’ to every individual American and that is to add a Voting Rights Amendment to the Constitution!”

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