Voting is an essential part of self-government. It ensures that the voice of the people is heard. Debates around how voting should be conducted have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional ways of doing so. Examples of proposals to expand access have included measures like mail-in voting and drop boxes for ballots. States are in charge of passing laws related to voting policies.  

Those who argue that states should expand access for voting in elections argue that doing so will ensure that more people have the chance to vote. They argue that the current systems some states have that create restrictions on mail-in voting and drop boxes do not allow everyone the chance to vote, as they say going to the polls on election day is an inconvenience for some Americans. They contend that demographics of people who don’t have a car or who work very long hours are less likely to vote, and that mail-in voting or drop boxes will make the process easier.  

 Those who argue that states should not expand access for voting in elections argue that doing so will open the opportunity for increased voting fraud. They argue that while it should be convenient for people to vote, mail-in voting and drop boxes can threaten the integrity of elections in a way that traditional voting at a poll booth does not. They may also argue that means of voting other than going to the polls can cause chaos due to lost ballots and delays in counting votes. 

So, what do you think? Should States Expand Access for Voting in Elections? Students can answer Yes, they should; No, they should not; or a nuanced answer in-between! Be sure to submit your responses by November 7 to be considered for this week’s contest.  

 

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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 counterarguments 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 10/24/24 to 11/7/24, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!