Debates are perennial in the United States over how to balance election integrity while still ensuring citizens can easily vote. This has been an especially hot topic since the 2020 presidential election, after which many states passed new election and voting laws. In the past week, the Senate voted on a new bill which supporters argued would increase protections of voting rights, again sparking debates on the matter.

Those who argue that voting rights are sufficiently protected in the United States argue that there are currently no unconstitutional barriers to voting. They may argue that current proposals such as mail-in-ballots and election day holidays simply make it easier to vote—they wouldn’t remove illegal barriers to voting. Additionally, they contend that measures such as preventing former convicts from voting are designed to keep people from making policy decisions for the rest of the country.

Those who argue that voting rights are not sufficiently protected in the United States argue that the current laws in some states are forms of voter suppression. They argue that putting limits on mail-in-ballots and not giving workers the day off are designed to limit the ability of people to vote and therefore are unconstitutional. Additionally, they may argue that measures that prevent voting are designed to keep certain demographics from having any political power.

So, what do you think? Are Voting Rights Sufficiently Protected in the United States? Students may answer Yes, they are; No, they are not; or a nuanced answer in between!

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Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
• They address counter-arguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly

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JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP!

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag.

This question will run from 10/25/21 to 11/02/21, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!

(For rules/regulations click HERE)