Over 21 million Americans don’t have a state-issued ID. So why are many states suddenly requiring one to cast a vote this November? Nation writer Ari Berman appeared on the Tavis Smiley Show to reveal the real reason behind Republican-led voter suppression, and the threat of returning to Jim-Crow-era poll taxes and disenfranchisement. 

—Christie Thompson

For more voter suppression coverage, check out The Nation and Colorlines.com’s joint project, Voting Rights Watch 2012.