A Democratic Paradox: The New Election Environment Following Shelby County v. Holder

Abstract

Anthony Downs explains rational citizens vote when their perceived benefits from participating are greater than costs—otherwise they renege. Downs’ framework and the paradox of voting are used to evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Preclearance from the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder (2012). I find that after preclearance is removed the length of time required to vote increases for African American and Latino voters which reduces their turnout in small but consequential amounts. Further, the VRA appears indirectly to benefit white voters. Following Shelby, the length of time increased for white voters as well.

Keywords: Voting Rights Act, Shelby County, rational voter, election administration