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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The 14th Amendment’s Disqualification Clause Was Made for This Moment

The Constitution has a provision to protect our democracy in exactly the situation in which we find ourselves right now. We need to use it.

By Noah Bookbinder

February 7, 2024

Dark blue background with the U.S. Constitution in the center and the words of the 14th Amendment called out and on top of the Constitution is a red toned image of Donald Trump, a red toned image of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection with people holding MAGA signs and a black and white toned image of the Civil War.

The Justices Must Choose: Trump or the Constitution

There really is no way for the Court to protect Trump and defend the U.S. Constitution — it must choose and bear the consequences.

By Rakim Brooks

February 5, 2024

White background with the nine Supreme Court justices sitting down in the middle, and the three liberal justices -- Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan -- are faded into the background. There are black and red images of Donald Trump and diferent hand gestures he's made, with a red line connecting all of the Trump images.

Every Vote Counts Unless the GOP Doesn’t Like It

The GOP is determined to undermine democracy. This election in Louisiana shows how.

By Jessica Pishko

February 1, 2024

Red background with a map of Louisiana faded into the background, and in the foreground, a blue shape of Louisiana with a ballot that reads "THE WINNING BALLOT" and three darts piercing through the middle. To the left of the state shape is John Nickelson, the white Republican candidate for Caddo Parish, Louisiana sheriff and to the right is Henry Whitehorn, the Black Democratic candidate for Caddo Parish, Louisiana sheriff.

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.

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.

Intimidating Voters Is Nothing New in Georgia, It’s Just Easier Now

The genie of violence has been blessed, approved and legitimized, especially by the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

By Carol Anderson

December 18, 2023

Red background with person standing in front of a voting booth that says "Scare the Vote" in cut out magazine letters and a faded American flag and Georgia peach in the background.

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

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