Social Problem and Reasons for Addressing
Voting is distinct from other social policy concerns. Casting a ballot is just one part of voting; it is also a fundamental democratic right. It gives the people a voice and enables them to impact governmental choices. This procedure makes sure that decision-makers are held responsible and that popular preferences are reflected in public policy. Voting also encourages civic involvement and fosters a sense of duty and belonging. It is a mechanism that empowers people, guaranteeing that their ideas determine the country’s course. Therefore, comprehending its significance is essential for a healthy democracy.
Social workers are essential in bridging the gap between creating policies and their implementation in the actual world. Their first-hand encounters with various people give them priceless knowledge of how voting laws impact daily life. Additionally, they see the difficulties and obstructions many encounter when exercising their democratic rights. Because of their in-depth expertise, their viewpoints are crucial in policy deliberations. By promoting more inclusive and open voting procedures, they can ensure everyone’s opinion is heard. Their participation guarantees that policies are based on actual experiences rather than theoretical ones.
Connection to Social Work Values and Ethics
Two crucial ethical elements from the Code that go hand in hand with advocating for voting are the responsibility to clients and community. The former emphasizes that a social worker’s primary responsibility is to assist those in need and address societal issues (Code of Ethics: English, n.d.). A blatant example of this is arguing for fair voting laws, which guarantee that everyone has an equal voice in the democratic process regardless of background.
The duty to serve the larger community highlights the importance of relationships and social workers’ role in developing them (Code of Ethics: English, n.d.). Social workers who support inclusive voting stress the interdependence of people in a democratic society, preserve individual liberties, and strengthen community cohesion. In promoting voting rights, both responsibilities emphasize the essential role social workers play in advancing democracy and strengthening community ties.
This connection is further highlighted by the ethical standards of responsibility to clients and society. The obligation to clients emphasizes the social worker’s fundamental duty to assist those in need and solve societal issues (Code of Ethics: English, n.d.). A potent illustration of this is fighting for fair voting laws guaranteeing that everyone, regardless of background, has an equal voice in the democratic process.
Existing Policies Relating to Voting
The Voting Rights Act of 1965
One of the most critical pieces of federal law to guarantee the protection of voting rights, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities, is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law, which was passed during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, attempted to end racial voting discrimination, particularly in areas where Black citizens had historically been denied the right to vote (Davidson & Grofman, 2021). While establishing federal monitoring in regions with a history of voting rights violations, the Act outlawed literacy tests and other forms of discrimination. The Voting Rights Act intended to resolve a long-standing societal issue—the systematic deprivation of voting rights for minority populations—by removing these obstacles. Although significant strides have been made since its enactment, challenges to voting rights persist, underscoring the Act’s continued relevance in the fight for a more inclusive democracy.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993
The NVRA of 1993, sometimes known as the “Motor Voter Act,” was created to streamline the voter registration process and boost the number of registered voters. According to the policy, states must allow people to register to vote when they apply for or renew their driver’s licenses and when they access specific public assistance programs (Stewart, 2019).
Additionally, the Act forbids states from deleting registered voters from voter lists unless certain conditions are satisfied (Stewart, 2019). The NVRA attempts to address the socioeconomic issue of impediments to voting and low voter registration rates. The NVRA intends to promote more civic involvement and guarantee that every eligible person has an equal chance to exercise their right to vote by simplifying and making the registration process more accessible.
Social Worker Intervention in the Policy Process
The ‘policy evaluation’ stage is one crucial stage in policy-making when a social worker may have a significant influence (National Association of Social Workers et al., 2021). In this phase, the efficacy of a policy is evaluated following its implementation to ascertain if it is producing the desired results and to spot any unforeseen repercussions. Social workers are uniquely positioned to learn directly about how a policy affects people in the real world.
References
Code of Ethics: English. (n.d.). Web.
Davidson, C., & Grofman, B. (Eds.). (2021). Quiet revolution in the South: The impact of the Voting Rights Act, 1965-1990. Princeton University Press.
National Association of Social Workers, Wehrmann, K. C., & McClain, A. (2021). Social work speaks: National Association of Social Workers policy statements, 2021-2023. NASW Press.
Stewart, C. (2019). Too large, too small, or just right? Assessing the growth of voter registration rates since the NVRA. Social Science Research Network. Web.
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