October First Tuesday Talk: The Right to Vote

Location

Zoom

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - 11:45am

Join us for an important First Tuesday Talk on Zoom on October 1, 2024 to discuss the Right to Vote in Virginia. You will hear and come to consensus on a statewide study for the League at the meeting, which will begin at 11:45 a.m. on Zoom.

The LWV-VA study group has researched how the right to vote has expanded beyond white, land-owning males in Colonial Virginia. Specifically, the group considered the three groups disenfranchised in our Virginia Constitution: those under the age of 18, those with a felony conviction, and those who have been deemed mentally incompetent.

“Democracy arises from people’s desire for dignity, equality, justice, liberty, and participation–their desire for a voice.” If your voice is your vote, should everyone in a democracy have the right to vote?

This is the issue that our League will learn about. After the presentation by League Study Member Carolyn Caywood, you as members of the Montgomery County League will review and reach a consensus on the study group’s proposed policies for voting rights.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://northwesternmutual.zoom.us/j/99244826890?pwd=HfXKHUZphW4dHTe61AaRbvyxFcQ1JI.1

Meeting ID: 992 4482 6890
Password: 73605010
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 992 4482 6890

Below, is the Conclusion of the Study Group’s research and the Consensus Questions that we will discuss after the presentation.

The Inalienable Right to Vote

Final Draft by LWV Study Group

Conclusion

In 1619, Virginians adopted a system of government that empowered men who were not of noble birth. Rather than being ruled by a monarch who was ordained by God or by a dictator who seized authority, these ordinary men elected ordinary men from among them to serve as representatives who would pass laws and perform other duties on their behalf.

Voting is a basic component of representational democracy. Restricting who can vote shapes who is represented but also the laws under which society operates. Representatives are influenced by their own perspective and lived experience. In 1619, these “ordinary men” were land-holding white men who were at least 21 years of age. Over time, barriers have been removed so that women, minorities, and 18-21 year olds could elect representatives. The Virginia constitution still leaves out those with a felony conviction (unless restored by the governor), those who have been mentally adjudicated, and those under the age of 18. Should the Virginia constitution be amended to admit these groups? What perspectives and lived experiences are not considered because of their exclusion? If voting is a “right,” as stated in the LWV-VA position, shouldn’t it be protected and not taken away?

Consensus Questions

1. “Democracy arises from people’s desire for dignity, equality, justice, liberty, and participation–their desire for a voice.” If your voice is your vote, should everyone in a democracy have the right to vote?

Yes___ No___ No Consensus ___. Comments:

2. The U.S. Constitution delegates to states the authority to decide who can vote, but amendments have expanded who can vote. Should the U.S. Constitution be amended to create one national standard for who can vote?

Yes___ No___ No Consensus ___. Comments:

3. Should the Virginia Constitution be changed to add a “fundamental right to vote” clause in both the title and body of Section 1?