YDS Statement on Racism and Disenfranchisement in the 2000 election

The fight for the right to vote has always been an important element of the black liberation struggle, and a vital aspect of the struggle for a multiracial, anti-racist left movement. Even after emancipation, southern states used poll taxes, literacy tests, and plain intimidation to prevent African-Americans from exercising their right to vote. One of the great victories of the civil rights movement of the 1960's was the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned such discriminatory practices and allowed organizers to mobilize for a great increase in voter registration and turnout among blacks.

But now, in election 2000, the long history of racist efforts to disenfranchise African-Americans has reared its head again in Florida. Black voters were mistakenly told that their names were not on voter registration rolls. People who were waiting in line when polling places closed were illegally turned away. Thousands were incorrectly identified as convicted felons and barred from voting. Police set up roadblocks outside polling places and turned busloads of black voters away, citing a lack of "limousine licenses".

Even among those who managed to vote, black votes were thrown out in much greater numbers than white votes. There is evidence that this was all part of a concerted effort by conservatives to minimize turnout among people of color. This is a manifestation not only of white supremacy, but of the desire of US elites to restrict political participation, undermining democracy and narrowing political debate.

Defending people of color against disenfranchisement is essential for any anti-racist, as well as anyone who defends the principles of democracy. Progressives should unite around this issue, regardless of whom they voted for in the presidential election. It is unfortunate that some on the left have shied from attacking racism at the polls out of an unwillingness to support Gore in any way.

But what is perhaps most shocking is that Al Gore and many other Democrats have been mostly silent on this issue as well. The fact that Gore has focused on only part of the legitimate legal challenge, ignoring the larger question of racism and mass disenfranchisement in the Florida vote, even though discrimination is almost certainly responsible for his failure to win the state, is nothing short of a concession to the racist elements in the Democratic Party. It is indicative of the disregard of "New Democrats" for the African-American constituency, even though that constituency turned out for Gore in overwhelming numbers.YDS calls on leftists and anti-racists to continue discussing and protesting the racist attack on voting rights. As calls to action, we propose:

--Progressives should unite with organizations of color and organized labor in order to protest the inauguration of George W. Bush on January 20th.

--We must continue to push for electoral reform, especially the abolition of the electoral college, which gives small, predominantly white states as much, if not more, weight than more diverse ones.

--We echo the call for voting rights for ex-felons, who are disproportionally black.

By defending the unconditional right to vote for African-Americans, we can continue the proud tradition of multiracial solidarity against racism.

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