Abstract
In this Article, we examine the transformation of Wisconsin from a state celebrated for its progressive voting laws to a focal point for stringent voting restrictions. This shift mirrors a recurring pattern in American history where progress in voting rights is often countered by strategies aimed at preserving existing power structures. We trace this pattern through American history, highlighting the role of white supremacy and structural racism in continuously reshaping the boundaries of electoral inclusion and exclusion. Wisconsin’s situation is a stark example of how contemporary legal and political tactics to limit access to the ballot box continue a long history of disenfranchisement. Our analysis highlights the need for a race-conscious approach to understanding and addressing the current crisis in American democracy, and the need for a civil rights model that confronts the underlying issues of racism and exclusion.
Recommended Citation
Benjamin Edelstein, Mark L. Thomsen & Atiba R. Ellis,
Unequal Access: The Perpetual Struggle for Voting Rights and the Case of Wisconsin,
3
Fordham L. Voting Rts. & Democracy F.
(2024).
Available at:
https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/vrdf/vol3/iss1/1