PoliticsAugust 25, 2026

disenfranchises

dis-in-FRAN-chy-zez

Definition

To deprive a person or group of the right to vote or to restrict their access to the electoral process.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'franchise,' meaning liberty or privilege, combined with the prefix 'dis-' meaning to take away. It originally referred to the deprivation of rights or privileges in a legal or political sense.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how the new USPS rule creates barriers that prevent eligible citizens, such as military families and students, from exercising their fundamental right to cast a ballot.

Pro-Voter Coalition Files New Complaint Against Illegal USPS Rule on Mail Voting

Read the full article ↗

Democracy Defenders Fund

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