Okay, But Why Are There So Many New Voting Laws?

03/12/25 • 14 min

In this first episode of our limited series "Okay, But Why?", we're taking a deep dive into voting rights.

We all want free and fair elections where everyone who’s legally able to vote can make their voice heard. But every time the experts study voter fraud, they find almost zero evidence that undocumented immigrants or anyone else is voting illegally. So then... why are there so many new voting laws out there?
Today, we're examining the history of voting rights and taking a closer look at why politicians are trying so hard to keep some Americans from voting.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

In this first episode of our limited series "Okay, But Why?", we're taking a deep dive into voting rights.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

Previous Episode

The American Fabric: Voting our Values

So far on our miniseries The American Fabric, we’ve learned more about immigrants and why they come to this country. We’ve busted myths and decried disinformation. And we’ve heard immigrants tell their stories in their own words.

Today, on the final episode, we’re talking about why this year’s election is so important. We have the opportunity to choose leaders who understand that immigrants are a cornerstone of this country and want to find humane bipartisan solutions. Leaders who don’t demonize vulnerable people for their own political gain. The outcome in November is crucial.

The federal government hasn’t passed meaningful immigration reform since 1986. On today’s episode, we hear more from Congresswoman Delia Ramirez as well as our own Suburban Women Problem co-host Rep. Jasmine Clark about how Republicans are choosing their own political power over policies that would actually help people.

Balancing America’s national security and humanitarian needs is far from simple, but extremists like Trump and JD Vance aren’t interested in solving problems. They want us to be a nation of hate. Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and all of the incredible leaders on the state and local level want to lead us back to our ideals. We’re a nation of immigrants. A nation of hope and opportunity.

So it’s up to us now. We have to talk to everyone we know and make sure they understand what’s on the line. Let’s make sure that on election day, hope and freedom triumph.

Thanks for listening to The American Fabric.
To learn more about our guests:
Lt. Colonel (retired) Alexander VindmanCongresswoman Delia RamirezDr. Andrea Bonior, psychologist and professor
Dr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics and immigration
Dr. Nancy MacLean, political historian and author

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA

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Next Episode

Okay, But Why Do We Need A Department of Education?

Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy. But Donald Trump and his new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon haven’t exactly made it a secret that they want to shut down the Department of Education. Phrases like “parental choice” and “school choice” might make this sound good for families, but in reality, it leaves far too many kids behind.

Before we had a Department of Ed, students who weren’t white, were disabled, or living in poverty had little access to a good education. Some, like Native American children sent to abusive “Indian schools,” were actively harmed or even died. But since its founding in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the department has made sure that every kid has an equal opportunity to learn.

That’s what the Department of Education does. It doesn’t write curriculum for teachers or choose books for librarians - it just makes sure that every child has access to a great public education.

We know that Trump and McMahon are breaking things they don’t understand. So it’s up to us to make sure that we do — and that we share that knowledge with everyone we know.

Okay, But Why? - Okay, But Why Are There So Many New Voting Laws?

Transcript

Okay But Why E1: Why are there so many new voting laws?
CLIP: Emily Carter at Town Hall Meeting in Georgia
“On January 9th 2025, you joined as a sponsor of HR22 SAVE Act. This means that me and 69 million women like me who have taken their spouse’s last name will no longer be eligible to vote. I want you to look me in the eye and tell me why you’re trying to take away my right to vote.”
Narration: We all want free and fair elections where everyone who’s lega