Kamala Harris Receives Backlash for Her Stance Against ‘Anti-Voter Laws’

By: Beth Moreton | Published: Mar 26, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris put out a seemingly innocent post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding anti-voter laws.

However, this post was met by various backlash from people who disagree with her comments and say that she is only making these comments so her party can “cheat.”

Over 40 States Passed New Voting Laws in 2023

Throughout 2023, over 40 different states passed new voting laws that could affect how voting occurs in 2024.

A map of the US. The red states require strict photo ID, the orange states request non-strict photo ID, the dark blue states require strict non-photo ID, the light blue states are non-strict on non-photo ID, and the grey states don’t require any ID to vote.

Source: mspence835/Wikimedia Commons

Around 14 states enacted 17 restricted laws that target in-mail voting, 6 states enacted 7 election interference laws, and 23 states enacted 47 expansive laws, according to Brennan Center.

There Is a Threat of a Criminal Penalty if Voting Laws Aren’t Followed

One of the new laws that has been enacted in some states is the use of photo ID, especially if using the in-mail voting system.

A man holding a letter with some terms and conditions on it whilst sitting at a wooden table.

Source: Katemangostar/Freekpik

If an acceptable photo ID isn’t mailed with the ballot, the individual will have to testify under threat of a criminal penalty that they have a reasonable impediment on the list.

Lara Trump Has Said a Trump Administration Would End Mail-In Voting

Mail-in voting might currently be a lifeline to many, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities, but should Donald Trump become president for a second time, this could all end.

Lara Trump at a Trump rally. She is holding a microphone and is standing against some signs that say “Trump Pence and “Keep America Great!”

Source: Matt Johnson/Wikimedia Commons

Meaww reports that Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, has said the Trump administration would put an end to the mail-in vote, saying this would allow for “fair, free, and transparent elections.”

New Voting Laws Came Into Place After the 2020 Election

When Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, he claimed that the presidency had been unfairly stolen from him.

A person posting a letter into a mailbox on the street.

Source: Element5 Digital/Pexels

Despite these claims being false, the states that are putting restrictive voting laws in place are ones where Trump tried to get the voting results overturned.

Some Positive Voting Laws Have Been Put in Place

Despite the many anti-voter laws that have been putting place throughout 2023 and into 2024, there have been some positive voting laws many states have implemented.

An early voting center in the US. There is a blue sign that says “early voting here” in white writing with a white arrow underneath. There is a white tent to the left of the sign.

Source: Infrogmation of New Orleans/Wikimedia Commons

This includes an extended number of days of early voting, increased drop box access, giving voter registration forms and information to newly-released prisoners, and allowing voter registration much closer to Election Day.

Policy Advisors State New Voting Laws Could Affect the 2024 Election

With the re-write of many voting laws, policy advisor Liz Avore has said this could affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

An official ballot drop box in the US. The box is white and has a US flag on the side.

Source: Greg Thames/Pexels

USA Today has reported that Avore has said the swing states will be particularly affected and it is these states where the new voting laws could tip the balance either way.

Vice President Kamala Harris Has Pushed Back Against Anti-Voter Laws

Unhappy with the amount of new voting laws that have been put in place, Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken out against them in a post on X.

A post on X by Kamala Harris regarding anti-voter laws. The post says “States across our nation have been passing anti-voter laws. These laws have cut back early voting, limited polling locations, and made it harder for people to vote. We’re pushing against extremists’ attacks and working to ensure all Americans can exercise their right to vote.”

Source: @KamalaHarris/X

In the post, Harris said her party is “pushing against extremists’ attacks and working to ensure all Americans can exercise their right to vote.”

Some People Were not Happy With Kamala Harris’ Comments

With Harris making a clear stand against anti-voter laws, some people disagreed with her comments.

A post on X from Paul A. Szypula. The post says “Kamala Harris promotes voter cheating. She supports mail-in voting and drop boxes. Both make it easier to cheat. Meanwhile, Kamala opposes voter ID. She’s doing everything she can to make our elections less secure. That’s because Kamala knows Democrats can’t win fairly.”

Source: @Bubblebathgirl/X

Some claimed she was promoting cheating, with others saying that none of the new voting laws prevent people from voting.

Other People Have Shown How the New Voting Laws Are Restrictive

Even though some people on X have said the new voting laws aren’t restrictive, others state otherwise.

A man at a polling stating. He is handing a piece of paper to a woman behind a desk and a man is sitting next to her. Two other people are standing behind voting boxes casting their vote.

Source: Edmund Dantès/Pexels

The BBC reported that states such as Florida, Georgia, and Texas request postal voters to have sufficient photo ID, which could limit the number of people able to vote in elections.

Voting Restrictions Make It Harder for Democrat Voters to Vote

Part of the reason why Vice President Kamala Harris has complained about the new voting laws has to do with how they might affect the Democratic Party.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They are both wearing suits and are standing against a black background with white and blue circles.

Source: @crushingthemyth/Instagram

As most of the voter restrictions are in traditionally Republican states, Reuters reported on how this is likely to affect traditionally Democratic voters when it comes to the election.

Votes Should Know Their Rights

With the upcoming 2024 presidential election, one thing voters are being told to do is make sure they know their voting rights.

Three people sat at wooden desks in voting booths casting a vote. Two other people are sitting at another desk.

Source: Edmund Dantès/Pexels

As each state has different voting laws, eligible voters must know the laws in their state and what they need to do to make sure their vote counts.