Overcoming Barriers to Voter Mobilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of St. Louis, Missouri

Abstract

Gary Parker, MSW

Voters in St. Louis, Missouri, faced unprecedented challenges amid two critical elections during the 2020 election season. Voters were to determine if the state should expand access to Medicaid as well as decide the next President of the United States. The lack of access to affordable health care, combined with a federal administration at odds with the Black Lives Matter movement, elevated the importance of electoral engagement within communities of color. The emergence COVID-19 complicated voter mobilization efforts as public health restrictions limited access to voters and shifting voting regulations confused voters. This study presents an in-depth qualitative case study of voter mobilization efforts in St. Louis by drawing on semi-structured interviews with 28 participants who engaged in voter mobilization within poverty-impacted communities in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Subjects identified how they shifted tactics to allow for the health and safety of mobilizers and potential voters. Additionally, policies are identified that would eliminate administrative hurdles placed on voters and shift the burden of facilitating democratic elections to the State. Findings from this study highlight the widening structural barriers and administrative burdens that are inhibiting a straightforward process for voting and detail potential policy solutions.

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