This study analyzes findings from existing research on voter identification legislation, population growth, and the influence of geography on political participation. The research examined the impact of photo-ID voting requirements on voter turnout among African Americans in a number of "battleground" states for the 2012 presidential election. Spatial analysis of several variables from the Census American Community Survey (ACS) was completed and visualized using ArcGIS Online to identify populations at a higher disadvantage in obtaining a voter ID due to a lack of vehicles and distance from the nearest government ID-issuing facility. The findings, although inconclusive, help political organizers and policy makers identify populations who face practical obstacles to civic engagement due to geography — so-called reduced opportunity voters (ROVs) — and the validation of their citizenship.
NLT's work on this is available on the Joint Center's website.
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