As predictable as the cooler temperatures in the fall, people like Stacey Abrams in Georgia (who still has not conceded that she lost the governor's race) are banging the drum that Republicans suppress voter turnout every time they recommend safeguards for election honesty. Thinking people know this isn't true, and those who study elections have data to prove it. Hans von Spakovsky, Senior Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, describes a study from earlier this year that shows how simple steps such as requiring voters to have proof of their identification do not have any negative impact on voter turnout. In fact, in some places the turnout has increased even with new laws requiring an ID. The rallying cry of "Voter Suppression!" should justifiably fall on deaf ears. Printed with permission. Pat Daugherty, Ed.D.

September 4, 2019