In the U.S., there are more Democrats than Republicans. So why don’t Democrats win more elections? Because the Republicans have much more money and are willing and able to pay to arrange elections so that Democrats’ voting is nullified.
What this amounts to buying elections. It is the wealthy invalidating the votes of those with less money. In addition, data from the internet show that Republican candidates gain a significantly higher percentage of votes from individuals with incomes over $50,000 per year, and the advantage increases along with the income level, to a height of 63 percent of individuals earning $200,000 or more a year supporting Republicans. This level is the direct inverse of individuals earning.
Put differently, an individual’s likelihood of being a Democrat decreases with every additional dollar earned. Democrats have a huge advantage (63 percent) with voters earning less than $15,000 per year. This advantage carries forward for individuals earning up to $50,000 per year, and then turns in the Republicans’ favor—with just 36 percent of individuals earning more than $200,000 per year supporting Democrats.
Meanwhile, Republicans are fighting hard to reduce the number of Democratic votes. More than 400 bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions. These bills are almost invariably motivated by false and often racist allegations about voter fraud. In addition, Republicans in at least eight states have also introduced bills that would give lawmakers greater power over election administration so that they could overturn election results that didn’t please them.
It’s time for the democrats (small d) among us to fight against restriction of voting. My sense is that things are moving in that direction already. Let’s all push harder.
Tom Glenn, Writer 