Political parties that restrict voting access are signaling they lack competitive policy platforms — a claim supported by electoral research showing voter suppression tactics correlate with parties in demographic decline or ideological isolation. The statement is commentary backed by documented patterns, though it doesn't address specific current legislation or the stated rationales parties give for voting rules. What's not covered: Reich doesn't distinguish between different types of voting restrictions (ID requirements vs. registration closing dates vs. mail voting limits) or acknowledge that this framing applies asymmetrically depending on which party is dominant in which state.