Opinion

Read in-depth op-eds on voting rights and democracy from our contributors, guest authors and Democracy Docket's founder, Marc Elias. Use the drop-down menu to organize by topic.

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New Research Ahead of 2024 Confirms Voter ID Laws Impact Millions

When Americans head to the polls this year, voters in 38 states — more than ever before — will have to confront a maze of voter ID laws.

By Ceridwen Cherry

February 14, 2024

Ohio’s New Motto: Give Us The Ballot

Give us the ballot and we will chart a course for our beloved Ohio that aligns with the people’s vision, not that of out-of-touch extremist politicians.

By Katy Shanahan

January 30, 2024

Dark blue background with people protesting faded into the background and three images of hands holding up a ballot measure and the map of Ohio and in the middle holding up a fist.

Sounding the Alarm: The 8th Circuit’s Discordant Note on Voting Rights

We can ensure that the dream of Dr. King endures, and the Voting Rights Act remains a potent instrument in the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive America.

By Martin Luther King III

January 15, 2024

Light blue background with map of the United States and the seven states covered by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota -- are shaded in red while the other states are shaded in blue. There are also images across the map of people protesting, playing music, holding up signs that say "Racism must go" and other musical elements. On the foreground is a larger image of someone shouting into a megaphone.

Where Are the Judges Who Know How To Fight for Workers?

When our judges are more familiar with our experiences, that wisdom transforms the justice they dispense.

By Rakim Brooks

January 8, 2024

Blue background with image of a United States Court of Appeals in the middle surrounded by protest signs of different workers on strike and an image of Jeff Bezos.

Three Years After Jan. 6 Trump Is Even More Dangerous

The America that emerges on Jan. 7, 2025, will be different from the one in place four years earlier or even today.

By Marc Elias

January 5, 2024

Red background with images of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection faded into the background and surrounding a black and white toned image of Donald Trump speaking in front of a podium with the presidential seal.

A Banner Year for Democracy in Ohio

I’ve always been proud to hail from this little heart-shaped state, but this year? That pride grew about 14 times.

By Katy Shanahan

December 20, 2023

Red background with Ohio Legislature faded into the back and two blue-toned people (one on the other's shoulders) holding a sign that reads "WE WON 57 YES" in front of a pink-toned shape of Ohio.

Felony Disenfranchisement Should Concern All Americans

As of 2022, more than 4.6 million Americans with a felony conviction were disenfranchised — disproportionately Black and Latinx citizens.

By DeAnna Hoskins

December 15, 2023

Red background of someone standing behind bars and some of the background ripped away with a blue-toned ballot underneath.

The National Sheriffs Association Could Police Its Members, But It Does Not

Restoring the public’s trust in law enforcement requires that organizations like the nation’s largest sheriffs’ association promote, not hamper, democracy.

By Jessica Pishko

December 13, 2023