Research Symposium

BIO

Samantha Mason is a third-year student from Cocoa Beach, Florida studying political science and international affairs. Her passion for voting rights and civic education stems from her work as an organizer with People Power for Florida, a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on voter registration efforts in Florida. She hopes to attend law school and work in the government space.

The Shifting Landscape of Voter Registration: Legislation Before and After Shelby County v. Holder

Abstract

Shelby County v. Holder was a landmark Supreme Court case that changed the nature of election administration by invalidating Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the requirement that certain states obtain federal clearance before changing election-related policy. As a result, states gained significantly more autonomy over voting laws and procedures. My research examines legislation related to voter registration drafted before and after its passage to better understand the case's impact on the field of voter registration. To conduct this analysis, I compiled a novel dataset of state-level voter registration legislation spanning multiple years, allowing for a detailed examination of emerging trends. My work focuses on identifying broader patterns in voter registration changes, such as the implementation of voter ID laws, same-day registration, online registration systems, and restrictions on third-party registration efforts. This research provides new insight into the long-term implications of Shelby County v. Holder on voter registration policies and highlights the effect of reduced federal oversight on state policy.

Keywords: Voting, elections, state legislation