Lesson Plan: Poll Watchers and the Long History of Voter Intimidation
Grades 9-12
The right of citizens to vote in free and fair elections is an essential political right in our constitutional system. In the early history of our country, the process of voting looked very different, and intimidation and corruption were rampant. The right to vote was gradually expanded by Constitutional Amendments (the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th), opening the vote to many more citizens. During the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, accusations were made about voter fraud and concerns were raised about election integrity. Many people have called for greater scrutiny of voters on Election Day through the use of poll watchers, and some states have created law enforcement units to investigate allegations of voter fraud. Voting rights advocates worry that the accusations of voter fraud and use of poll watchers will intimidate voters and keep them from participating in elections. This lesson has students examine primary and secondary sources related to voter intimidation to determine how integrity of elections can be ensured.
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