The League of Women Voters in Chautauqua County will be presenting a program concerning the upcoming presidential elections and voter access in many states.
On Wednesday Sept. 12 at noon, the group will hold a luncheon at the White Inn. Following the luncheon, Dr. David Rankin, professor of political science at SUNY Fredonia, will speak on the topic: "Voter Rights: Are they at risk?" at 1 p.m.
League member and Fredonia resident Genevieve Ludemann said in a printed statement she believes the topic is "timely and thought-provoking" because "many states now require voters to obtain government-issued photo identification," which often requires possession of documents that can be difficult to obtain, particularly for the elderly and poor.
According to materials provided by Ludemann, some states have also sought to reduce early voting and increase restrictions on terms of voting for college students away from their home district or eliminating election day registration.
On Thursday, a three-judge panel in Washington struck down a Texas voter identification law, citing "strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor" while backers of the law claim its purpose is to reduce fraud.
"This is an assault on our democracy and on the right to choose our country's leader, and violates the Voter Rights Act," according to the statement provided to the OBSERVER by Ludemann.
Anyone interested may attend the lecture at 1 p.m. free of charge.
Anyone interested in attending the luncheon at noon, which costs $15 and includes a choice of meals, may contact Genevieve Ludemann at 672-4771 or 785-8924.
