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Participation is restricted through legal, procedural, or practical barriers — such as complex registration rules, disenfranchisement, or meeting procedures that discourage attendance.
Why It Matters
Limits who has a voice in governance.
Skews representation toward those able to navigate obstacles.
At small scales, undermines fairness when only insiders participate.
Tell-Tale Signs
Sudden changes in eligibility rules.
Meetings scheduled at times impossible for most to attend.
Onerous ID or paperwork requirements.
Examples Across Levels
Local: HOAs holding meetings on weekday mornings when working members cannot attend. Limiting speech.
State: Voter roll purges or reduced polling places in certain districts.
Federal: Barriers like restrictive voter ID laws disproportionately affecting certain populations.
Countermeasures
Simplify registration and participation processes.
Ensure accessible meeting times and formats.
Establish oversight of rule changes to prevent targeted exclusion.
Related Patterns
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