How Cities Influence Voting Laws And Elections

In the United States, cities can expand voting rights in local elections if there are no explicit state constitutional or legislative impediments and so long as local jurisdictions have the power of home rule. For example, some states require that changes to local charters get approval from state legislatures, thereby limiting municipal authority over voter eligibility laws. Cities Vote is an initiative designed for city leaders who are committed to ensuring fair and safe elections, with resources to help them think through voter engagement, turnout, and protection strategies.

Cities can expand voting rights in local elections if there are no explicit state constitutional or legislative impediments

Joshua A. Douglas, an associate professor of law at the University of Kentucky College of Law, identified 14 states, including California and Maryland, that pose no clear impediments to municipalities passing their own voter qualification laws. However, some states require that changes to local charters get approval from state legislatures, which limits municipal authority over voter eligibility laws.

Cities can play an important role in ensuring fair and safe elections by expanding voting rights and making voting more accessible, convenient, and meaningful for their residents. By doing so, they can increase voter turnout and strengthen local democracy.

Cities can make voting more accessible and convenient

Cities Vote, an initiative by the National League of Cities, supports elected officials in committing to and executing high-quality voter engagement plans. It also facilitates learning between municipal leaders, steering cities towards strengthened local democracy. Cities Vote provides a list of twenty interventions that can have a high impact in increasing voter turnout in a city. Examples of interventions for city leaders include making voting more accessible, convenient and meaningful.

Some cities have passed their own voter qualification laws. For instance, Douglas identified 14 states, including California and Maryland, as posing no clear impediments to municipalities passing their own voter qualification laws.

Cities can increase voter turnout

In the United States, municipalities can expand voting rights in local elections if there are no explicit state constitutional or legislative impediments and so long as local jurisdictions have the power of home rule. For example, some states require that changes to local charters get approval from state legislatures, thereby limiting municipal authority over voter eligibility laws, whereas other states do not.

The Cities Vote initiative is designed for city leaders who are committed to ensuring fair and safe elections. Cities Vote supports elected officials in committing to and executing high-quality voter engagement plans. They also facilitate learning between municipal leaders, steering cities towards strengthened local democracy.

Cities can pass their own voter qualification laws

For example, some states require that changes to local charters get approval from state legislatures, which limits municipal authority over voter eligibility laws. However, in 14 states, including California and Maryland, there are no clear impediments to municipalities passing their own voter qualification laws.

Cities can increase voter turnout by making voting more accessible and convenient. This can be done through interventions such as making voting more meaningful, and by creating a unique voter action plan.

Cities can increase student voting rates

Additionally, cities can partner with colleges and universities to encourage student voting. For example, the National League of Cities' Cities Vote initiative supports municipal leaders in developing high-quality voter engagement plans and strengthening local democracy. Cities can also collaborate with higher education institutions to promote the All IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national awards program that recognises colleges for their commitment to increasing student voting rates. By participating in this challenge, colleges can foster a culture of democratic participation and active citizenship among their student bodies.

Furthermore, cities can work to educate and inform students about the voting process and the importance of their participation. This could involve hosting voter registration drives on campuses, providing clear and accessible information about voting requirements and procedures, and organising non-partisan events or discussions to engage students in political issues.

Another strategy for increasing student voting rates is to address any specific challenges or barriers that students may face. For instance, cities can ensure that students, including those who are first-time voters or from marginalised communities, have the necessary identification and documentation to vote. Cities can also advocate for policies that protect students' right to vote, such as by opposing restrictive voter ID laws or supporting legislation that expands voting rights for all eligible citizens.

By implementing these strategies and interventions, cities can play a crucial role in boosting student voting rates and fostering a culture of democratic engagement among young people.

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