Politics of Voting | WBUR and NPR - On Point with Tom Ashbrook

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Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:00 AM EDT

Politics of Voting

By host Tom Ashbrook:

If democracy is the heart of America and the heart of democracy is voting, it’s time for a serious check-up. Aggressive redistricting, antiquated voting machines, long lines at some polls and an expiring Voting Rights Act have critics asking what’s going on with the quality of the American vote.

Are voters choosing politicians, or are politicians choosing voters, with districts gerrymandered like creatures out of Dr. Seuss? The Supreme Court has now stepped in with a thumbs-up for partisan redistricting in Texas. Congress is about to join the fray.

From Arnold Schwarzenegger to the League of Women Voters, word is we’ve got a problem on our hands.

Hear about the quality of the American vote on trial.

Guests:

Spencer Overton, professor of Law at George Washington University Law School;
Jack Beatty, “On Point” news analyst and senior editor at the Atlantic Monthly magazine

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