“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude.” -15th Amendment

Yet, people of color are still experiencing voter suppression. There is a large and growing pile of evidence that strict voter ID laws disproportionately impact voters of color. In Wisconsin, the GOP has pressed to limit early voting and succeeded with the backing of Republican-appointed federal appellate judges.

Some states are discouraging voter participation by imposing arbitrary requirements and harsh penalties on voters and poll workers who violate these rules. In Georgia, lawmakers have made it a crime to provide food and water to voters standing in line at the polls — lines that are notoriously long in Georgia. Milwaukee has also had similarly long lines during past elections.

In some states, a felony conviction can come with the loss of your right to vote. Due to racial bias in the criminal justice system, felony disenfranchisement laws disproportionately affect Black and Brown people. In Wisconsin, people with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

When asking a few people of color whether they have experienced voter’s discrimination, some responded, “not really.” Others said they don’t vote because why should they, arguing that nothing changes for Black people even when they do vote.

I asked two people the same questions; one is a Madison native and the other a Chicago native. Although they are from different cities their experiences are similar.

Char Braxton, Madison native
Do you recall your first-time voting? What was it like?

“I thought about the 15th Amendment and my right to vote no matter what the color of my skin. Walking up to the booth, I felt proud and anxious. I was voting for my ancestors who were killed, hung from trees, houses torched and many other injustices done to non-whites. This moment would never happen again in life. And as I proudly said my name and cast my ballot, all I could think about was, let freedom ring, let freedom ring.”

As a person of color have you experienced voters’ intimidation or discrimination? If yes, what was your experience like?

“As a person of color, I have faced numerous and on-going discrimination. It starts with my choices on the ballot, then how the electoral voting process is set up. Is my polling place a safe environment? How is the ballot worded, do I understand? The eyes of the people at the polls sometimes tells it all. You do not belong here, why are you here? This is an awful and painful feeling.”

Why do you think people of color are subjected to voters’ intimidation and discrimination? How does it make you feel?

“History speaks for itself.  people of color have been discriminated against since they entered this environment from their mother’s womb until the dirt is tossed on their death tomb. Our voting choices will change make the necessary changes in life to do the right thing and not abuse they system or humankind.”

Do you think the law does enough to protect people of color against voters’ discrimination and intimidation? What can they do differently?

“The law did not protect George Floyd from being killed on national TV and front of the world. Take a look of who is behind the curtain controlling the outcomes of voting. It is an illusion.  We will dangle a carrot in front of you. You can nibble on it, but don’t bite it.  If you do, you will suffer the consequences.”

Has your voting experience changed from your first time to your most recent one? If yes, how has it changed? What is different?

“My experiences have changed. One, I do not let the looks of the people at the polls bother me.  Hating someone because they have the right to vote is sick. Two, I go out and vote and research the candidates more in depth. The color of skin does not matter in the current voting arena to me.  People are passing all the time. One day a white candidate is wearing urban attire and another day a Black man is wearing a suit. One day a Democrat is using the “n” word amongst their friends and another day a Republican is pulling out his gun at the White House – the fairy tale never ends.”

Braxton adds that there have been some good experiences, including when she has worked at the polls to help educate others about injustices that are done inside and outside of the polling places in Madison.

Rene Robertson, of Chicago
Do you recall your first-time voting? What was it like?

“Yes, I do. I voted for Harold Washington who did win and became the first Black mayor of Chicago. It was a proud day not only for me but for a lot of Blacks in Chicago.”

As a person of color have you experienced voters’ intimidation or discrimination? If yes, what was your experience like?

“Some years ago, I went to vote in the area of Madison that is predominantly white and an area in which I live. I walked in and the lady asked me if I was there to vote. I wanted to go off on her, but I didn’t. I also noticed that she didn’t ask the white people that were coming in if they were there to vote. I don’t know if I can truly define that intimidation/discrimination, but it really did make me feel some kind of way; that she is probably one that thinks black people don’t vote.”

Why do you think people of color are subjected to voters’ intimidation and discrimination? How does it make you feel?

“I think they are scared because they think that we are going to take over, that they will lose power, which is so sad because we are not like them.”

Do you think the law does enough to protect people of color against voters’ discrimination and intimidation? What can they do differently?

“No, it does not and it’s getting worse; they are not even hiding it in the southern states.  What can they do differently?  That’s a hard question because it is no longer about the laws, we have some hateful/racist people in office all over the United States; their hearts need to change, which from my experience is a difficult task because one has to want to change their heart.  For them, it’s about money and power; people and their rights no longer matter.”

Has your voting experience changed from your first time to your most recent one? If yes, how has it changed? What is different?

“Yes, it has.  I feel it’s no longer a privilege, it’s more like an obligation. The world is so bitter now.  I’m voting not for the best man to win; I’m voting to keep the racists out. And that’s sad.”

The constant suppression of people of color either results in many losing faith in the government or choosing to no longer vote because they feel unheard or feeling more determined. Like Robinson said, “It’s no longer a privilege, it’s an obligation.”