Abby DiOrio (3L): A Study of State Voter Identification Requirements and Combatting Election Fraud

The Analytical Compass: A Study of State Voter Identification Requirements and Combatting Election Fraud
bstract:
This Note analyzes states in the 5th and 9th Circuit and their efforts to prevent voter fraud. The Note emphasizes the exponential gravity of voter laws as elections become increasingly polarized, narrow, and controversial. With this magnitude in mind, “The Analytical Compass,” synthesizes key traits: (1) photo identification stringency, (2) additional voting obstacles, and (3) election-related convictions. The Analytical Compass reflects a linear regression, modeling a strong relation between stringent ID requirements and presence of other regulatory obstacles. However, it also depicts a consistent ratio of election fraud convictions, despite the varying severity of each state law. This suggests that harsher voting laws are not necessarily more successful in preventing voter fraud.