One Person, No Vote: How All Voters Are Not Treated Equally

by Carol Anderson, Tonya Bolden

In her New York Times bestseller White Rage, Carol Anderson laid bare an insidious history of policies that have systematically impeded black progress in America, from 1865 to our combustible present. With One Person, No Vote, she chronicles a related history: the rollbacks to African American participation in the vote since the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Known as the Shelby ruling, this decision effectively allowed districts with a demonstrated history of racial discrimination to change voting requirements without approval from the Department of Justice.



Focusing on the aftermath of Shelby, Anderson follows the astonishing story of government-dictated racial discrimination unfolding before our very eyes as more and more states adopt voter suppression laws. In gripping, enlightening detail she explains how voter suppression works, from photo ID requirements to gerrymandering to poll closures. And with vivid characters, she explores the resistance: the organizing, activism, and court battles to restore the basic right to vote to all Americans as the nation gears up for the 2020 presidential election season.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Historical, Social Issues, Race, American

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2019

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Carol Anderson is Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. Professor Anderson’s research and teaching focus on public policy; particularly the ways that domestic and international policies intersect through the issues of race, justice and equality in the United States.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was an informative read about the disenfranchisement of the poor, black, and brown voters. It was horrifying to see how all of this has come together to influence our politics today. I can't say that I really enjoyed this read, but it was interesting and informative.

So why did I give three stars to an informative book on such an incredible and relevant topic? Read Below.

I will say that one massive drawback to this book it that it is marketed as a "Young Adult Adaption," but requires the reader to have a significant amount of background knowledge of the political landscape and the processes of voting. It uses college-level vocabulary and provides no explanation of those terms. It assumes that the reader just knows these things. I found this to be offputting. If the author doesn't want to include explanations or definitions in the text, then there should be a glossary or appendices to provide all readers with this knowledge. Not all readers bring this knowledge to the table. Providing such a ready reference for new voters or soon to be voters would ensure access to the incredibly important message of the book.

I recommend this for 11th grade and up.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times, this book was frustrating to read - I never realized how incredibly terrible voter suppression was and is in the US. I simply cannot believe all of the diabolical ways in which members of the GOP attempt to disenfranchise minority groups in order to strengthen their political power. It was especially depressing that since this is an ARC, none of the tips to make a difference were included yet. The book did end on an uplifting note, however, stating countless efforts currently underway to expand access to voting.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay.  I knew that voter suppression was bad and that it was happening still.  But I had no idea that it was this bad.  Should I be surprised?  Probably not.  This book did a fantastic job at explaining--to a politics dud like me--the absolute severity of voter suppression thus far in American history.  From the literacy tests (which by god I would have never been able to pass!) to gerrymandering to suppressing the Voter's Rights Act just in 2016, so much has been done to disenfranchise specifically the African American community.

Luckily, this book allows for explanations in both text and illustration.  Even better are the photographs placed before every chapter, which helps put names to faces (which is one of my problems when it comes to politics: there are so many players and I can't remember who they are)!  Equally incredible are the explanations of everything.  Sure, I knew what gerrymandering was...kinda.  But knowing the history of it and knowing how technology is furthering bipartisan agendas today really made what used to be an abstract concept to me into a really terrible, scary reality.  Not only that, but how technology is being used to quickly and swiftly purge voters from the rolls based on how recently they've voted--scary news for people like me who move around a lot!  

Of course, this is a young adult adaptation, and I haven't read the original, so I can't exactly say how this one compares.  But for what it is and what it's worth, I found this enlightening and hugely satisfying and educational.  It's a great resource for young adults who are interested in politics and why everyone always makes such a big deal every four years.  Definitely worth a read--it'll teach you so much!

Review cross-listed here!

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a depressing yet very important and enlightening book about all the ways voter suppression has been enacted and legalized since the Reconstruction Era ended back in 1877. Almost 150 years!!!! I find it so surprising that people can still call the US a democracy after reading this book with the states and more importantly the 'rich and powerful white folk' openly and blatantly blocking votes of minorities. It honestly makes me wonder how accurate the 2016 Presidential election results were and if all these voters hadn't been suppressed, then who would have actually won?

Although this is the youth adaptation, readers should have more than a general knowledge of US history and politics. So this would definitely be for 11th grade and higher. I wouldn't be surprised if it was used in college classes. This version was still pretty in-depth about the cases and violations and gave plenty of actual examples of the various ways the states have used voter suppression. With so much detail in the youth adaptation, I would want to compare it to the adult version.

I read this book for one of my classes and will definitely have my older kids read this as they have all taken the We The People class their senior year of HS.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never wanted to throw a book across the room as many times as I wanted to throw this one. Why? Because every single topic related to voting rights in this country makes me so mad. Racists don't want anyone but rich or smart white people to vote so over the years a whole plethora of techniques have been used to squelch voter turnouts among blacks, illiterates, latinos, etc.

This book is a reworking of the adult version of the book. It has short, readable (if you can read it for being so angry) chapters, good source notes, bibliography, a call to involvement. Maybe this next generation can finally get it right.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary book for all ages, this lays out how the system is rigged and unfair in an easily understood manner. I hope that this makes its way into the hands of the young, because ultimately it is them who will make the necessary changes. If it's banned in your district, I encourage you to purchase it for yourself and for a little free library where young adults may easily access it.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5- informative and enraging.

[Sangeetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally checked out this Young Adult version of the book, but to be honest, I'm glad I did. I found this book valuable and think it makes a very compelling case for the sanctity of the right to vote, especially for young adults. Anderson and Bolden mince no words. I appreciate how blunt and honest they are about the sorry state of affairs our democracy is in. This book provides excellent historical context for understanding the value of the Voting Rights Act in an accessible way. It also clearly delineates the systematic ways that the GOP, through the support of our Supreme Court, has upended this powerful legislation in modern times ironically under the guise of protecting democracy. The book isn't all doom and gloom however as it ends on the hopeful note of Doug Jones' senate victory in Alabama, the poster child for disenfranchisement of Black citizens. The book concludes with an optimistic message. Well aware of the tactics to be used against Black communities - exact match voter ID laws, fewer voting machines, long lines at polling sites, voter registration purges - Black organizers had been creating momentum in their local communities long before the election. Through tenacious grassroots organizing, Alabama elected Doug Jones, quite literally against all odds.

[Nate Hipple · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed with this one. Typically, I like YA nonfiction- it's quick and condensed. This topic does not lend itself well to that, though. What can be dense is still dense, but now with less context or explanation in many cases. I majored in Government and there were still times when I had to reread a passage that temporarily lost me. There's also a heavy, heavy partisan slant that automatically put me on my guard. Is the author's intent here to inform or to persuade? What's particularly frustrating is that this topic is so, so important. I'm just not sure that this book does it justice.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voter suppression is the most important topic that no one is talking about. It's absolutely awful that suppression efforts are allowed and tolerated in the USA. One Person, No Vote succinctly sums up how we have an unfair voting system, and shows all the ways that legislators make it harder for some people to vote than others. Pick up this book and educate yourself!

[J.E.H. Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to learn more about out voting history, I found Carol Anderson’s ONE PERSON, NO VOTE and its Young Adult Adaptation. The YA version covers all matters of our voting history contained in the adult version, but in a more succinct way and in no way watered down.
The YA version contains a detailed TOC of the book which previews what’s inside. The TOC includes catchy chapter heads such as: Bubbles in a Bar of Soap; Poll Tax Blues; Only Democrats Need Apply; And Don’t Forget the matches—yes, the history of violence many have faced gaining the right to vote; And Kemp Saw Dead People—regards voter roll purge; Elbridge Gerry’s Salamander; to name just a few.
The TOC in the adult version displays Five Parts: A History of Disenfranchisement; Voter ID; Voter Roll Purge; Rigging the Rules; The Resistance. Its Foreword is by Senator Dick Durbin. This book contains scholarly citations throughout with 69-pages of referenced notes at the back. The YA version contains reference notes at the back and is very thorough reflecting the adult, academic version. Of course, the reference notes are a good starting point for further reading and introducing students to this helps them understand Media Literacy and cross-referencing sources. That’s a Win Win for me.
Both versions contain an index and this is where I was able to see what may have been removed from the adult version. I noted that Governor George Wallace was not contained in the YA version, so younger people are spared his profanity and racial slur that was contained in the adult version on pages 99 and 116. The voter ID section of the adult version described a woman who was in her last days, dying of cancer, and made her way to the polls to vote possibly for the first woman president, but was turned away with her expired driver’s license (page 71). These things the children are spared in their version. However, in the YA version, more detail is given to important quotes, such as the exchange between Virginia state senator Carter Glass with a fellow delegate in 1901. Glass wanted to bring The Mississippi Plan to Virginia. The plan contained an array of poll taxes, literacy tests, understanding clauses. See page 5 in the YA version for the full quote between Glass and another delegate. (The citation for this, in Anderson’s notes section refers to Michael Waldman’s The Fight to Vote, Simon and Schuster 2016, page 85.) The adult version of this exchange is on page 3 of the adult version. It uses ellipsis and is a shortened version. I preferred reading the exchange in the YA version.
I lean mostly to the YA version because it is well-done, and could be shared by several members on one household. Much of the subject matter was a review for me, but I did learn important details of what is going on in our voting democracy more currently with both editions. Since I was reading a concise version of the adult book and I had some prior subject knowledge, I was able to read the YA version in about 3 hours. The main text is about 200 pages.
Bonus, the type font is larger in the younger version which is better for my older eyes.
Kids’ Lit – No Stigma for adults here.
Bravo @ProfCAnderson @tonyaboldenbook #libraries #votersuppression

[Babbity Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're thinking of purchasing this book for a politically-minded teen in your life, I'd strongly encourage you to reconsider.

If that teen is well-read on current events and politically engaged, there's no reason not to give them the original book. The language is academic but not very difficult.

If you look at the text of the original and don't think that teen is able (or willing) to handle it... then this probably still isn't the right book for them.

In my full review, I include some side-by-side quotes that give you an idea of the two big changes made for the YA rewrite:

→The writing is massively simplified, dropping the reading level (almost insultingly) low.

→The book's central thesis is reframed. In the original, it is presented as a claim being made by the authors that is then backed up with evidence from history and contemporary politics. In the YA rewrite, the book is repackaged into a textbook. All the cues that point the reader to the book's purpose, argument, and agenda are eliminated. In this version, the book is a “story.” A “history.” It isn’t a specific point of view, and it certainly doesn’t represent a specific agenda. It is simply the facts.

If a reader isn’t ready for the language used in the original, they’re probably not ready to read the book critically. The original One Person, No Vote is not a difficult book to read, given the type. If a reader needs “moreover” to be changed to “what’s more” for the book to be accessible, how do Anderson and Bolden expect them to independently evaluate the argument?

It seems that they don’t. They aren’t expecting young readers to approach their work critically, and they’re okay with that. They're trusting that young readers will buy the book’s constant assertions that it represents an irrefutable observation, not an argument that demands evidence.

I received an advance review copy of this title from the publisher at no charge in expectation of an honest review. No money changed hands for this review and all opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very relevant book for our times and serves as a cautionary treatise for young people today.

Tonya Bolden has adapted a second book by Carol Anderson for young adults; this one deals with the disenfranchisement of Americans, with a focus on how African Americans have been affected. She begins with a history of disenfranchisement (covering a discussion of literacy tests, poll taxes, one-party system, violence, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the questionable results of the 2000 Presidential Election), then moves into recent drawbacks and misuse of voter IDs, voter roll purges, gerrymandering, and overt racism shown in gerrymandering; closing and under-staffing polling places, thereby creating long wait in lines; changing valid ID requirements; and the effects of no internet access. The last chapter is about the failings of the 2016 Presidential election.

Generally, this is organized in chronological order. However, throughout the book, the author often jumps back and forth in time to finish a thought, then revisits those same points later in the book. Anderson hits each aspect of voter suppression hard on the head. She is very frank and straightforward, calling it as she sees it. It should be noted that this book takes a partisan approach: the GOP is given responsibility for most voter suppression throughout this survey. While there are mentions of disenfranchisement in many states, she gives pointed detailed examples found in a handful of states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Use of sidebars, quotes, and black and white photographs breaks up the intense text. Backmatter includes a discussion guide, ways for teens to get involved, 34 pages of footnotes, photo credits and a detailed index.

Great to use in a Civics class; it would certainly stir up a lively debate. Recommended for grades 9-12

[Kyra Nay]

Tonya Bolden partners again with historian and scholar Carol Anderson to adapt the National Book Award finalist One, Person, No Vote. (Bolden also previously adapted Anderson’s NYT bestseller White Rage as We Are Not Yet Equal for the YA market). Bolden’s decades of experience writing nonfiction for young readers is evident, as she brings her trademark clarity to the original text.

Over the course of nearly 300 pages, the book traces the history of voter suppression in the United States through a staggering number of strategies, from outright intimidation and violence to poll taxes and literacy tests to gerrymandering districts to felony disenfranchisement to voter ID laws to voter roll purges. Just since 2010, hundreds of bills in 25 different states have made it harder for citizens to exercise one of their most fundamental rights in a democracy, with changes that disproportionately affect people of color, the poor, the elderly, and the young.

For high school students preparing to vote for the first time, I can’t imagine what could be more effective at convincing them their voice has power than by showing them just how many people want to limit it. (But seriously, watch your blood pressure/any nearby breakables while reading).

[Briayna Cuffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this as an eARC via NetGalley in partnership with the publisher, for a fair and unbiased review.
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I appreciated the wealth of information and detail included in this book. It draws on everything that makes voters annoyed with the duty of being an active voter, and does a tremendous job of pointing out the pitfalls and loopholes that exist between state and federal election legislation.

There were only two things that irked me: the structure and lack of citations. I pined for chronological order, and felt that even when some of the chapters seemed to be in chronological order, a statement or situation would seem to throw off the timeline. It was almost like following someone's thought pattern as they laid out the information they knew about the topic(s). The author cites/references her sources every now and again, but not fully; I would think that especially given that this is a YA copy (likely to be referenced by students) it should include them.

[Kim]

Didn't finish.

It's a topic I care about and happy it's written by two Black women. Great hook in the Prologue. However, the prose (caveat: this is the ARC, so not final text!) was of a style I stumbled on (i.e. "going back to strides toward" on the first page of the first chapter), and there are walls of dry facts with little narrative that I know could've been fleshed out to be more accessible via the real drama and interactions that actually happened in the underlying history.

I decided to pass when they quoted F. F. Warley who was quoted in a book by DuBois, but chose not to name him, instead erroneously calling him a "Black South Carolina legislator." Not naming Black people is usually white historian shenanigans a la Douglas R. Egerton, so that was a bummer. More troubling: the quote was from a white politician, not a Black one. Not fact checking books like this is irresponsible on the part of the editors and publishers. This made me kinda mad.

I admire Carol Anderson, so I gave this one some extra latitude, but it wasn't for me. Hope your mileage varies!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. I have heard the various allegations, but this book helped me understand just how significant the restrictions being placed on black (and other poor, but mainly black) voters actually are. I strongly recommend it.

I only gave it four stars for four reasons. First, it refers to our country as a Democracy when we are, in fact, a Republic (a pet-peeve of mine). Second, I finally understand what my college English professor meant when he said that he felt a little beat up by my rhetoric in one of my papers - I felt a little beat up by the rhetoric in the book. I'm not saying it's not justified, because it is, but it contributed to the rating. Third, the authors assume they know the motivation behind actions that were taken. Maybe they're right (in fact, they're probably right), but that's another pet-peeve. Last, when discussing gerrymandering, they state clearly that both parties do it - but focus on the Republican actions (and their motivations) from that point forward.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read book documenting the history of voter disenfranchisement from poll taxes to intimidation tactics in discouraging minorities to vote. The book documents the deliberate methods the GOP has used to ensure that the weight of the black vote is minimized. Although official poll taxes have been outlawed, tactics such as gerrymandering, adding restrictions to how, where and when a ballot can be cast, and restrictive Voter ID requirements are currently being used to continue to maintain white majority in most elections.
I read this book to educate myself as election tampering and voter fraud show up regularly in the news. My biggest issue with the book is that some of the wording is incendiary. While I don't disagree with the message, some word choice could have kept the tone more objective.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll preface with the disclaimer that I haven’t read the original title targeted to adults- with Anderson and Bolden, they worked together to adapt it for a young reader.

It still provides plenty of examples broken up into short chapters that walk through the bigger picture issues and give concrete stories with pictures of the people, explanations of the court cases, and statistics. Then it goes further and also provides some thoughtful reflections.

Readers are appalled by the variety and numerous examples of voting issues (to put it mildly) that continue to run rampant and unchecked. And with the renewed focus on anti-racist work, this would be a good place to start.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say; I found this book disturbing. Before the 2016 election, I was a couch activist. The results of 2016 made me an active one. After reading this book, I realize that I was caught sleeping. The intentional efforts to suppress and disenfranchise voters have been going on for quite some time. More Americans need to be aware of the strategies that are being used not only by the Russians but by the Republicans. This book is worth the read. My copy is an arc. I can't wait to see the discussion questions included when this book is released.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to be obsessed with this book for a moment. The title stems from RBG’s arguments about what happens when partisan gerrymandering prevents every American from truly having a voice in government. However, it should be noted that the tone of this book, in light of today‘a political climate and current 2020 election, makes this an emotional read. Every citizen should read this book and understand how voter suppression tactics have shifted and changed over the past 150+ years and are still at play today.

Meanwhile, I just mailed in my 2020 ballot 😳🙏

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn't work as well as I'd hoped for our purposes as a supplemental US Government text. A student who has never even voted themselves nor navigated other bureaucracies doesn't really have enough background knowledge for a lot of the details of the text and none were provided. The narrative pull through is missing so the book became just a litany of reasons why the GOP is terrible, and we are already convinced of that. I'm looking for maybe a shorter, overview of this very important subject.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tearing through this book brought to mind the saying, "If you're not angry, you're not paying attention." Anderson takes us on an enlightening, infuriating journey from the end of Reconstruction to the present day, crafting a cohesive narrative through the changing face of voter suppression. Should be required reading for anyone who loves democracy and who believes all people are truly created equal.

[Sahith Pv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed view of the voter suppression tactic used in American. Book’s a Quick read. The tactics used for voter suppression are jaw dropping, tactics became better and better with generation and technology availability. The support data and point are excellent.

The only negative for me is other side of the argument for voter suppression by GOP are presented.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many obstacles put in place to stop low income, black and brown, and minorities from voting. I knew some of them but never knew the full extent of the manipulations before reading this book. So much to ponder and to work to correct these injustices.

[Sean S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just more reasons to hate the current Republican party. Suppressing the vote and winning does not mean you represent the totality of the people's interests, it means you cheated your way into office to make things worse.

*sad voting noises*

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book and very informative, but I don't think it will appeal to many young adults despite being labeled as a "YA adaptation" due to the background knowledge required and depth of content.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some eye opening history regarding voter suppression and the lengths politicians, courts, and government bodies go to to suppress the votes of black, latino, asian, native people to uphold white supremacy in our country's leadership. A must read. YA edition is easy to digest as well.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential for readers of all ages!! There's a lot of infuriating news and history here, but there's also inspiration, hope, and clear suggestions for how people can get involved and improve voting rights for people all over the US. I appreciate that and the students will too.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to both Americans and non-Americans who want to understand the crazy elections in the U.S. I learned a lot of things that were never covered in history and government classes.