Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2023

Slow Civic Violence and the Removal of USPS Mail Sorting Machines During the 2020 Election

Fernando Sánchez University of St. Thomas - Minnesota

Abstract

This article combines historical research with demographic analysis and neoliberal/rhetorical critique to put forth the concept of slow civic violence—indirect injuries on civic process, particularly within marginalized communities. The author ties the United States Postal Service's (USPS) rationale for removing mail sorting machines during the 2020 election year to systemic moves that damage democratic participation. The author conducts an empirical analysis of where the USPS mail sorting machines were removed to show how neoliberal arguments in favor of cost cutting make voting by mail a more precarious and uncertain act primarily for those who reside in communities of color.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2023-07-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816221074946
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
rhetorical criticism
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Dorpenyo (2024)
    The Fair Fight to Dismantle Voter Suppression: Recognizing Electoral Injustice …
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication

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