I'm seeing folks argue that the tactics on display in Wisconsin will blow back for the GOP in Nov: turnout across the board will be affected.
But that misses the point
GOP electoral strategy is based on suppressing turnout, on the assumption that it always works in their favor
But that misses the point
GOP electoral strategy is based on suppressing turnout, on the assumption that it always works in their favor
It's a numbers game. Rural areas (heavily GOP) have more polling stations per-capita. Cities (heavily Dem) have fewer, as well as infrastructural obstacles (traffic, parking, lines) to voting promptly. Suppressing turnout increases the relative strength of the rural votes
It explains in part why the GOP has gone in its recent direction. Rather than focus on issues with broad popular appeal, the Party has utilized suppression tactics while doing all it can to appeal to the constituency that retains access to voting.
It therefore prioritizes issues that will galvanize this constituency and encourage it to vote in large numbers. Elections become referenda on issues of urgency: failure to vote will result in the loss of key liberties, economic position, status, etc.
And it's been effective. The GOP has lost the national popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections. It's policies are unpopular nationwide. But its tactics have allowed it to marshal immense power. It's been a very successful strategy.
Note: I don't think GOP supporters would necessarily disagree with this analysis. We've seen a remarkable degree of frankness on the suppression issue recently, and the SCOTUS decision was based on some pretty flimsy reasoning. The GOP is slowly abandoning the pretense...
...that this is about stopping fraud or ensuring fair elections. It's becoming more and more clear that the GOP sees this is a fight for its survival, and is willing to do whatever is necessary to prevent Dem electoral victories. They know that failure means a Virginia scenario
From that perspective, actions in Wisconsin appear both necessary and entirely justifiable. Failure to suppress the vote would result in the GOP losing, and then very quickly ceasing to act as a relevant force in local and state politics.
An addendum:
