Voting Laws

Since the start of this year, 17 states have restricted access to voting—making it harder to register to vote, for example, or tightening rules for voting by mail. On the other hand, nearly every state in the country has also introduced measures to make it EASIER to vote—expanding the window for early voting, for example, and improving access for people with disabilities. Why the changes? And why are politicians currently contentiously debating the subject? Ciara Torres-Spelliscy is a professor of law at Stetson University, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, and the author of the recent book “Political Brands.” (AP Photo/Brian Witte, File)