what was that, again?

I've tried to make this point myself, but I got shot down by people telling me that my sentiments were unconstitutional (Google AI supports my critics*). There should definitely be a minimum bar over which all people must pass if they want to vote. This guy is doing a good job of showing that many US college students lack the basic knowledge to navigate the world, let alone vote intelligently for their own and for society's good.

I had embedded this video in my previous post, but I've re-embedded it below, now cued to replay a crucial moment in what the lawyer says:

Basically, he shares my sentiments, but he recognizes that the law is the law.

__________

*Here's what Google AI has to say:

The question of whether there should be a minimum competency bar for voting in the US is complex, with strong arguments on both sides. Here's why there isn't one currently and some of the key arguments:

1. The Right to Vote is a Fundamental Right:

The US Constitution, particularly the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, expands the right to vote, emphasizing that it shouldn't be denied based on race, sex, or age (for those 18 and older). The idea of a fundamental right suggests it shouldn't be easily limited or subject to arbitrary standards, which some argue a competency test might become. 

2. Concerns About Discrimination and Historical Parallels:

History shows that literacy tests and other competency-based restrictions were used to disenfranchise specific groups, particularly African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Many argue that establishing a competency test for voting could be easily manipulated to exclude other vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities or limited education, and could perpetuate existing inequalities.

3. Defining and Measuring Competency is Difficult:

There's no universally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes "competency" for voting. What knowledge, understanding, or cognitive abilities would be required? Who would determine the standards? How would they be fairly applied to all voters? Experts disagree on whether and how to measure the capacity to make informed decisions about voting.

4. Potential for Abuse and Politicization:

Some fear that a competency bar could be used to suppress votes of those who hold different political views or belong to specific demographic groups. Any system of competency testing would be open to partisan manipulation and abuse, potentially undermining the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

5. The Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion:

Instead of focusing on restricting the vote, many argue that efforts should be directed towards ensuring equal access to the polls and promoting civic engagement for all eligible citizens, regardless of their background or abilities.

Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate equal opportunities for people with disabilities to vote.

6. Counter-Arguments and Concerns About Voter Knowledge:Some argue that a certain level of understanding about the candidates, issues, and the voting process is necessary for informed participation. Concerns exist about the potential for manipulation of vulnerable voters or the impact of uninformed votes on election outcomes.

In Summary:

While there are concerns about voter competency and the potential for uninformed votes, the absence of a minimum competency bar for voting in the US is largely rooted in the principle that voting is a fundamental right, concerns about discrimination, practical difficulties in defining and measuring competency, and the potential for abuse.

Google AI's bias: when I changed the search question to "Why would a minimum-competency standard for voting in the US be a good idea?" the result was: "An AI Overview is not available for this search." Gee, there's a surprise. So much for "strong arguments on both sides." (That said, clever prompt-writing might result in some "strong arguments," but the AI's baked-in, programmed bias is still visible for all to see.)

My original post that prompted today's reaction.