When the United States was formed, it was a democracy in name but not practice; the right to vote was limited in every state, primarily to white male landowners. Today, the right to vote has vastly expanded but is not universal for all citizens, while threats to voting rights remain. This informative, honest account looks at the history of voting and voting rights in the United States, focusing on the fight among various groups to gain the right to vote, including African Americans, women, immigrant communities, and American Indians. Sometimes these efforts have been aligned, and sometimes they have been at odds with one another. With each gain, there has been pushback—efforts to limit people’s ability to exercise their right to vote, from literacy tests and threats of violence to more recent laws that make voting harder. Across it all, “people power” has made the difference—courageous individuals who have spoken and acted to expand and protect the right to participate in our democracy through voting. An account that examines these important historical and contemporary events concludes with rich end matter, including “People-Power Ideas,” ideas for making our elections more democratic, suggestions for getting involved, and a voting rights timeline, as well as source notes and an index.

This electrifying, can’t-miss story of American democracy is the “indispensable book we need right now” (Senator Raphael Warnock), “a must read for every American” (The Root), and “a balm for our democracy” (Reverend Al Sharpton).  
 
Renowned thought leader Michael Eric Dyson and widely celebrated author Marc Favreau shine a light on the fight for democratic representation, an ongoing and epic quest to build the democracy promised in the Constitution. Each chapter takes on a new battle between champions of freedom and those who stand in the way of their right to vote—from the American Revolution straight up to the present day as we approach the 2024 presidential election. 
 
Drawing clear lines from then to now, with impeccable research and exhilarating prose, Represent weaves this crucial struggle for democracy into an enthralling American drama that will help readers understand our past, present, and future.

"A vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.  Without it, I would not have a historic spot in the United States Senate and we the people would not have a democratic framework in which to fight for the things that matter.  At a time when that basic right is under assault by those committed to power at any cost, Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau have written the indispensable book we need right now.  Represent is a monumental contribution to our country’s perennial quest for justice and the right of every citizen to vote." —Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock

"A compelling book that is a balm for our democracy.... This brilliant book will inspire us to embrace a precious right that each generation must fight hard to preserve."―Reverend Al Sharpton

“A must read for every American, Dyson and Favreau introduce readers to some of the unsung heroes who have committed their lives to make democracy work for every citizen.”―The Root