What is Disenfranchise?

Definition and meaning of disenfranchise: To disenfranchise is to strip citizens of their rights to vote, participate in government decisions, and exercise their constitutional rights. Disenfranchisement can occur through various means, such as through direct legislation that prevents individuals from voting, or through indirect measures like poll taxes, literacy tests, and voter ID laws. These practices create barriers to voting. Policies related to disenfranchisement vary across states. 

Historically, disenfranchisement tactics like literacy tests and poll taxes have been used in the United States to prevent African Americans from voting, especially during the Jim Crow era. Today, disenfranchisement often occurs through indirect measures, which have been found to disproportionately impact communities of color, the elderly, and low-income individuals. Felony disenfranchisement laws further exacerbate this issue by denying millions of convicted Americans the right to vote. 

Additionally, the reduction of early voting periods, purges of voter rolls, and the imposition of restrictions on absentee voting can all serve to disenfranchise certain groups. These measures can be particularly impactful during events like a pandemic, when voting in person may be unsafe.

Learn more about the ways the modern political establishment disenfranchises voters on our blog.