Voting Rights Scorecard
Ahead of the 2024 election, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has developed a comprehensive scorecard to provide the public with critical insights into state-level voting rights and access to the electoral process. The scorecard evaluates state laws and legal challenges related to voter suppression, using the four key categories described below: In-person Early Voting, Voter ID Laws, Access to Polling Places, and Felon Disenfranchisement. These fifteen states were selected because they have the highest Black populations in the United States, either per capita or by percentage. For an in-depth analysis of voting rights in a specific state, simply click on the state’s name or click here to view them all.
2024 Voting Rights Scorecard
Click on the category titles to view the scoring criteria.
Categories
In-person Early Voting
In-person early voting plays a crucial role in reducing long lines at polling places and accommodating voters with demanding schedules. When early voting is available for less than a week or limited to restricted hours, it can disproportionately affect citizens juggling childcare or work responsibilities, potentially discouraging their participation. We believe that voting schedules must offer maximum flexibility.
14 or More Days of Statewide Early Voting: This state offers two weeks or more of early voting opportunities, facilitating greater access for voters.
7-13 Days of Statewide Early Voting: This state provides a moderate window of early voting, ranging from one to two weeks, allowing some flexibility for voters.
0-6 Days of Statewide Early Voting: This state has limited early voting options, offering less than a week of access for voters, which may restrict participation.
Voter ID Laws
In recent years, Voter ID laws have gained momentum amid ongoing debates over election security, with 17 states enacting stricter regulations since 2020. However, not all eligible voters have easy access to state-issued photo IDs, like seniors and out-of-state college students. Furthermore, there is no substantial evidence that these laws reduce voter fraud, which remains exceedingly rare. We believe that states should focus on expanding access to the electoral process, rather than imposing unnecessary barriers that do little to enhance election security.
No Photo ID Required: Voters can cast their ballots without providing a photo ID.
Flexible Photo ID Requirements: Photo IDs are required, but the rules are more lenient—either student IDs are accepted or expired IDs are allowed.
Strict Photo ID Requirements: Only unexpired photo IDs are accepted, and student IDs are not permitted for voting.
Access to Polling Places
The accessibility of polling places is a crucial element of a state’s election ecosystem. It operates in tandem with other voting criteria, as the days and hours that polling locations are open can significantly impact voter participation. While voters in urban areas may find it easier to reach their polling sites, those in rural regions often face challenges like polling place closures, resulting in long commutes and extended wait times. We believe that states should provide an ample number of polling locations to enhance voter access. Our evaluation reflects this commitment to accessibility.
Ample Access to Polling Places: This state has enacted laws since 2020 aimed at preserving or enhancing voter access to polling places.
Moderate Access to Polling Places: While this state has not implemented laws to restrict access to polling places since 2020, it has experienced closures that may affect voter accessibility.
Limited Access to Polling Places: This state has passed laws since 2020 that decrease access to polling places, potentially hindering voter participation.
Felon Disenfranchisement
Many individuals with felony convictions face significant challenges reintegrating into society after completing their sentences. Felon disenfranchisement, which revokes the voting rights of those who have been convicted of a felony, adds another layer of difficulty to their journey toward successful reentry. Denying voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals undermines their ability to influence policies and elect representatives who understand their experiences. We believe that states should work towards making the voting process as accessible as possible for all citizens.
No Restrictions on Voting Rights for Individuals with Felony Convictions: This state has enacted laws allowing individuals with felony convictions to regain their voting eligibility immediately upon release from incarceration.
Moderate Restrictions on Voting Rights for Individuals with Felony Convictions: This state offers a process for individuals with felony convictions to vote; however, there are notable barriers or exceptions that may complicate access.
Significant Restrictions on Voting Rights for Individuals with Felony Convictions: This state imposes extensive limitations on voting rights for individuals with felony convictions, significantly hindering their ability to participate in elections.
Disinformation Campaigns
Since 2020, disinformation in U.S. politics and elections has surged, threatening the integrity of the democratic process. Although the Federal Communications Commission has taken steps to limit disinformation spread through robocalls, false information continues to proliferate through other channels. In addition, political campaigns often use television ads and media to misrepresent opponents, potentially confusing voters. We believe that states have a responsibility to ensure accountability for accurate electoral information.
Comprehensive legislation to combat disinformation: This state has enacted laws that combat disinformation in elections by targeting deliberately deceptive speech or media, including but not limited to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Moderate legislation to combat disinformation: This state has enacted laws that only combat disinformation in elections by targeting generative artificial intelligence (AI).
No legislation to combat disinformation: This state has not enacted laws to combat disinformation in elections.
Vote by Mail
Widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, voting by mail has become a key measure of democratic accessibility at the state level. While some states have since rolled back their vote-by-mail provisions, we believe this option is a vital convenience that should be available to all voters. Our evaluation reflects each state’s performance based on the following criteria: voters can vote by mail without an excuse; voters can submit an absentee ballot application without a printer or copier; voters can submit an absentee ballot application within a week of Election Day; voters can complete the application independently; voters can submit an absentee ballot without a printer or copier; voters can submit an absentee ballot without direct interaction with a poll worker; voters can submit an absentee ballot within 48 hours of Election Day.
Comprehensive vote-by-mail policies: This state has met 6 or more of the above criteria and has a robust vote-by-mail system.
Moderate vote-by-mail policies: This state has met 4-5 of the above criteria and has some inclusive policies and some limitations to their vote-by-mail system.
Restrictive vote-by-mail policies: This state has met less than 4 of the above criteria and has significant barriers to accessing their vote-by-mail system.