Stealing Democracy: The New Politics of Voter Suppression

by Spencer Overton

Spencer Overton attacks the least-inspected area of our partisan control of the ballot box.

While politicians spew shallow sound bites that describe a "free" American people who govern themselves by selecting their representatives, in reality politicians from both parties maintain control by selecting specific voters. Incumbent politicians control thousands of election practices and bureaucratic hurdles that determine who votes and how their votes are counted, including the location of election-district boundaries, the number of booths at urban polling places, and English-only ballots. Spencer Overton uses real-life stories to show how these seemingly insignificant practices channel political power and determine policies on war, schools, clean air, and other issues that shape our lives. He exposes the pressure points in this Orwellian system and provides strategies toward restoring self-government, including removing redistricting power from self-interested partisans and renewing parts of the Voting Rights Act that expire in 2007. Overton's compelling case is vital to the future of our democracy.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[SC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite an eye-opener for me. Of all the books written about the insanity that is our electoral process (50 caucuses and conventions come to mind) I never realized what a threat gerrymandering, or redistricting, as it is euphemistically known, poses to our democracy.

For example, in California, there are only one or two House races that are actually competitive (i.e. the winner will not win with a margin higher than 10%). This is because almost all the districts are drawn up in bipartisan backroom deals using sophisticated mapping technology and voter registration records to dilute and inflate the influence of voter groups, thus effectively ensuring the outcome. If you are not familiar with this sort of practice (and this is only a tidbit of what is covered in this book) I highly recommend reading the entire thing. It will make you angry. And it will make you rethink our winner-take-all system of elections.

[Moira Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed timely. Particularly given the unprecedented number of reported incidents of voter intimidation happening in North Carolina. In 2012. It's well written (despite an unfortunate and extended analogy to the movie The Matrix) and informative, though I would love to see a new edition with updated statistics (but I'd wager to guess the trends indicated herein only continue their trajectory to today). The thing I enjoyed most was that Overton not just highlights some of the problems inherent in our current electoral system, but also tries to present positive policy prescriptions to address said issues.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great book, really great research. I loved how he supported all of his arguments with both facts, and with personal stories from real life people. Also, the conclusion was really great, again he made it tangible by including narrative. At times the syntax was tedious, but nothing that would overshadow the content.

[Alex Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

And though I cannot yet vote this book made voting rights my cause. What could be more of a bipartisan issue? What could be less known by the voter? Who pays attention in a non-presidential election year? Now, I do.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading.

[Pilar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Describes a mix of partisan tactics. Was hoping for more voter or precinct-level reporting.