On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to discuss the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The act, which has recently gained traction in several states, has been met with controversy and criticism, with Schumer going so far as to dub it “Jim Crow 2.0”.
For those unfamiliar, Jim Crow laws were a set of racial segregation laws enacted in the Southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These laws were designed to enforce segregation and discrimination against African Americans and other minority groups. The term “Jim Crow” has since become synonymous with any law or policy that perpetuates racial inequality and discrimination.
In the case of the SAVE Act, the controversy stems from the requirement for voters to show a valid form of government-issued identification in order to cast their ballots. Proponents argue that this measure is necessary to prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of our elections. However, opponents, like Schumer, argue that this requirement disproportionately affects minority and low-income communities, making it harder for them to exercise their right to vote.
During his appearance on “Morning Joe,” Schumer made his stance on the SAVE Act clear. “This is Jim Crow 2.0,” he declared. “It’s a deliberate effort to disenfranchise certain groups of voters, particularly people of color, and we can’t let that happen.”
Schumer’s words may sound strong, but they are not without merit. According to a study by the Brennan Center for Justice, as many as 25% of African American citizens of voting age do not have a government-issued ID, compared to only 8% of white citizens. This disparity is even more pronounced among low-income communities and the elderly, who may struggle to obtain or afford the necessary documentation.
Furthermore, there is little evidence to support the claim that voter fraud is a widespread issue. In fact, studies have shown that instances of voter fraud are extremely rare. The real purpose of laws like the SAVE Act seems to be to suppress the votes of certain groups, rather than protect the integrity of our elections.
Schumer also pointed out the irony of the SAVE Act being pushed by the same politicians who have been quick to criticize other countries for suppressing their citizens’ right to vote. “We criticize China, we criticize Russia for interfering in our elections, but we’re doing the same thing here at home,” he stated.
He also warned against the dangerous precedent that these laws set. “If we allow these types of laws to stand, what’s next? Will we require a poll tax or a literacy test in order to vote?” Schumer asked, referencing other tactics used during the Jim Crow era to disenfranchise African American voters.
The issue of voter suppression is not a new one, and unfortunately, it seems to rear its head every election cycle. However, with the SAVE Act gaining momentum in states like Georgia, Florida, and Iowa, it is clear that we still have a long way to go in ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all citizens.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There has been significant pushback against the SAVE Act, with advocacy groups and politicians, like Schumer, speaking out against it. In addition, several lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of these ID requirements.
It is important for all of us, regardless of our political affiliations, to stand up against any attempt to suppress the voices of certain groups of people. As Americans, we value the right to vote and the importance of having a fair and just democracy. Laws like the SAVE Act go against these values and threaten the progress we have made towards equality.
In the words of Schumer, “We cannot allow history to repeat itself. We must continue to fight for the rights of all citizens to have their voices heard and their votes counted.” So let us come together and demand that our elected officials protect the fundamental right to vote for all Americans, not just a select few.