In the ongoing debate about constitutional rights, a critical question arises: why are restrictions on gun ownership often deemed violations of the Second Amendment, while voting restrictions are not similarly challenged?

The right to vote is safeguarded by the 15th Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on race; the 19th Amendment, ensuring voting rights regardless of sex; and the 26th Amendment, which grants voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and older. While not perfectly realized, the concept of universal suffrage is often presented as a fundamental human right, granting every adult citizen the ability to vote without discrimination based on wealth, gender, race, or political beliefs, with only minor exceptions.

In contrast, the right to bear arms lacks a universal human rights framework, as recognized in both theory and practice. Although the U.S. Constitution uniquely affirms the right to possess firearms, it does not classify this right as absolute. The landmark Supreme Court case, District of Columbia v. Heller, affirmed an individual's right to own firearms for lawful purposes, such as self-defense, but clarified that this right is not without limitations. Justice Antonin Scalia emphasized in his majority opinion that the Second Amendment does not confer an unrestricted right to possess any weapon in any manner.

Proponents of gun rights often interpret the Second Amendment as an unfettered guarantee for citizens to own and carry any firearm they choose, asserting that even minor regulations infringe upon this right. However, the significance of voting rights in maintaining democracy and promoting equality far outweighs the individual right to carry a firearm, particularly given that firearms are frequently involved in violent confrontations.

The right to vote should be universally accessible to all citizens in a democracy, with minimal restrictions.

Republican lawmakers often argue that gun control measures infringe upon the Second Amendment, yet they do not raise similar concerns regarding voting restrictions that affect the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments. This inconsistency is evident as Republican-led legislatures have enacted numerous laws limiting voting access since the 2020 election, following Donald Trump's loss to Joe Biden. In 2021 alone, over 440 bills aimed at restricting voting were introduced across nearly all states, with 19 states enacting 34 new laws.

By mid-2022, at least 393 restrictive voting bills were considered in 39 states, alongside several laws designed to interfere with election processes. These election interference measures facilitate partisan involvement in elections and threaten the integrity of democratic processes, often justified by unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. Notably, these laws disproportionately impact communities of color.

A concerning trend is observed where politicians opposing gun restrictions simultaneously advocate for voting restrictions. This connection was evident when Trump pressured Georgia's Secretary of State to "find votes" following his election defeat, with support from Cleta Mitchell, a notable attorney associated with the NRA.

Interestingly, states with lenient gun laws often propose stringent voting regulations. For instance, Georgia, which has few restrictions on gun ownership, enacted a law making it illegal to provide water or snacks to voters waiting in line.

Despite the prevalence of mass shootings and their devastating impact, many Republican legislators resist implementing meaningful gun control. Instead, they often respond by loosening restrictions. In contrast, since Trump's election loss, these same legislators have pursued numerous voting laws that limit mail-in voting, impose strict voter ID requirements, shorten voting periods, and reduce polling locations.

Rather than addressing gun violence, Republicans have shifted focus to a narrative of election integrity. They fiercely oppose any restrictions on gun access, citing the Second Amendment, while simultaneously enacting stringent limitations on voting rights.

It is crucial to recognize that those who resist sensible gun control do not genuinely uphold constitutional rights. Their actions against the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments indicate a troubling trend where the Constitution is manipulated for personal or political gain.

To prioritize public health and safety, especially that of our children, voters must hold legislators accountable. If current representatives refuse to support gun control, it falls upon the electorate to choose those who will. Voters also have a duty to elect officials committed to protecting voting rights.

We must reject politicians who exploit constitutional rights for their benefit and advocate for the rights of all citizens.