Description

The Politics of Inclusion: Private Voting Rights Under the Clinton Administration

Frederic Solop and Nancy Wonders explore the historical developments that culminated in the passage of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This act, which expands ballot access by making voter registration services more widely available, became law because of President Clinton’s strong support. George Bush had vetoed a similar bill the year before. Although President Clinton’s support of the law was critical, Solop and Wonders also give much credit to the efforts of a broad-based movement of people seeking to open up the political system. Their detailed historical analysis highlights the actions of grass-roots organizations and legislators who propelled the movement for greater inclusion in the electoral process. Solop and Wonders raise disturbing implications. Specifically, their analysis questions whether increased voter participation will lead to real empowerment for disenfranchised minorities, or if, in a general right-wing climate, it will only bring more conservative voters to the polls.

Clinton administration, voting laws, voter registration, federal legislation, electoral politics, social movements

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 22, No. 2 (1995): 67-86