Part 1: Voter Participation and the Significance of 'One Person, One Vote' (300-500

words)

1) Explain the concept of "one person, one vote." Describe what it means and its
significance in ensuring equal representation and political fairness.
2) Provide an example or case study that illustrate how voter participation and "one
person, one vote" have influenced U.S. politics.
3) Analyze the role of race, gender, and class in the voting process. Discuss how
these factors impact who can vote and who may be discouraged from voting.
4) Examine the issue of voter suppression, both historically and in contemporary U.S.
politics. Consider the various strategies and policies that have been used to
suppress votes.

The concept of “one person, one vote” means that no one person’s vote should be greater
than any other citizens vote. This rule, in the 14th Amendment, allows for all people of any race,
gender, sexuality, and religion in the United States, to have an equal and fair vote within their
county, state, and country. A case study in which supports how voter participation and “one
person, one vote” have influenced U.S. politics is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Voting
Rights Act of 1965 eliminated discrimination against minority groups, which allowed for them to
not only have a physical voice, but to vote as well! An example specifically of “one person, one
vote” is section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits any intolerance or discrimination
towards any person of color. The roles of race, gender, and class in the voting process play a
major role. Even to this day, white folks think people of color are less than and are the reason
why our country has fallen to crime, in which they think people of color should not get the right
to vote. Race, gender, and class can really discourage someone into voting because they might
think their vote doesn’t matter. Whether it be their peers or their government saying it, they feel
as though their vote will just be one in the millions that do not count. Being part of the minority
in any of these classes can be hard because you are seen as less than, disrespectful, and broke all
because of what you are, do, and say in this life. Voter suppression has been a major problem in
the United States since the beginning. There have been many ways to restrict certain groups,
such as, women and poc, into not exercising their right to vote. For example, Jim Crow Laws.
Obviously everyone knows what Jim Crow Laws are, but if you don’t, here is a brief overview.
Jim Crow Laws were a set of laws which enforced segregation, specifically targeting people of
color or African Americans. Poll taxes (paying to vote) during that time period were heavily
enforced in the South, which quite literally silenced all low-income people into not voting.
Literacy tests were also enforced. Having literacy tests was a major disadvantage for people of
color and women because most of them had not had an education. So they didn’t know how to
read, write or spell, which was a major disadvantage for them.
Part 2: Solutions and Action (100-200 words)
1) Propose at least two solutions or strategies that can address the influence of race,
gender, and class issues in the voting process. How can these factors be mitigated
to ensure a more equitable and inclusive electoral system?

Two strategies that can address the influence of race, gender, and class issues in the
voting system are: implementing policies that address systemic disadvantages and voter
education programs! Implementing policies that address systemic disadvantages not only make
society aware of the lack of voice minority groups have, but it will also open the eyes of the
government that enforce the laws that put minority groups on the back-burner. A way I think
would open the eyes of our citizens is conducting social experiments. People naturally have the
curiosity in participating in social experiments, so why not hold one specifically for the purpose
of recognizing the disadvantages and lack of awareness when it comes to voting rights! Another
way is writing letters or physically talking to government officials to make an impact. Although
it seems like government officials won’t listen due to their consistent busy lives, most
government officials will if you really are trying to make a change. Voter education programs
would interest our minority groups and allow them to have the motivation to vote. Not only is the
majority of our country white, but most people of color choose not to vote because it 1) doesn’t
interest them enough or 2) they fear their voices won’t be heard. But I assure you, voter
education programs (which will be free) will give these under-appreciated groups the knowledge
of voting, which may or may not influence them to vote.