Which practice has been noted to disenfranchise voters during primaries in some southern states?

The practice that has been noted to disenfranchise voters during primaries in some southern states is the white primary. This refers to a historical practice that excluded African American voters and other racial minorities from participating in primary elections, which were often dominated by white voters. In many southern states, political parties, particularly the Democratic Party, implemented rules that allowed only white voters to vote in primary elections, effectively disenfranchising a significant portion of the population and solidifying racial segregation in the political process.

The white primary served to uphold systemic racism and limit the political power of black Americans, as primaries are critical for determining candidates for the general election. By excluding non-white voters from the primary process, the political system maintained an inequitable balance of power favoring white citizens, which has had long-term consequences on representation and policy decisions in these states.

This context highlights the importance of access to the electoral process and how specific practices can undermine democratic participation for entire demographic groups. Recognizing the implications of the white primary is crucial in understanding the broader historical struggles for voting rights and equality in the United States.