Introduction

Eric Gay/Associated Press

The midterm elections on Tuesday are the first since the Supreme Court, in Shelby County v. Holder, ended federal oversight of electoral changes in areas with a history of racial discrimination, and permitted laws in several states increasing requirements for voter identification, supposedly to limit fraud. Critics have said these measures disenfranchise legitimate voters and disproportionately burden poor, minority voters.

Some say a constitutional amendment is needed to clearly establish a right to vote, and fend off efforts that inhibit and restrict voting. Is that necessary? Would it be effective?