The New Poll Tax

The poll tax has a long history in England and America. It dates back medieval times, as a source of revenue for the English crown. The king, depending collecting fees and dues from his vassals, found this wasn't enough so he levied a tax on every man, woman and child living in his realm. This was called a "head tax," or "tallage." It was also known as the poll tax. As the power of the English House of Commons grew and more Englishmen gained the right to vote for its members, the poll tax became a way to ensure that only those making a certain amount of money per year voted. This practice carried over to the United States.

In the post Civil War era, the poll tax became a tool to disenfranchise poor voters--disproportionately African American--to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote. The poll tax was abolished by constitutional amendment almost half a century ago. But it seems to be coming back. I'm sure you've heard the old cliche "time is money." It is not a stretch to say that having to wait hours in line to vote constitutes a de facto poll tax. Rachel Maddow makes a persuasive case, and I can't put it any better:



This is why we decided to try to reach out to Rickeys everywhere. Be ready for long lines, be ready for difficulties, and be ready to stick it out, both you and your Rickey. We're having a lot of fun here at RickeyPAC, but this election is too important to sit on the sidelines. Stay tuned to the RickeyPAC Twitter feed for alerts on reported voting difficulties across the country, and for results starting at 6 pm Eastern when polls close in Indiana and Kentucky.