Voting rights and the efforts to suppress them is the focus of a film and panel discussion 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Contem- porary Art, 601 W. Broad St.

The event, sponsored by the Richmond, James River Valley and Commonwealth chapters of The Links Inc. and VCU’s ICA, will feature the award-winning documentary “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook.”

The film examines how right wing groups have worked in certain states to make it harder and more dangerous to vote, particularly for minority groups and young people, in the wake of former President Obama’s 2008. The film, shot during the 2016 presidential election, identifies a 10-part strategy developed by Republicans to suppress votes in Democratic-leaning areas.

A panel discussion moderated by attorney Ronald Wesley will follow the screening. Panelists include Dr. Julian M. Hayter, an associate professor at the University of Richmond and author of “The Dream is Lost: Voting Rights and the Politics of Race in Richmond;” Dr. Alexandra Reckendorf, associate chair of the Department of Political Science at VCU; Attorney Oscar H. Blayton; and Garry Ellis, voter registration coordinator with the Virginia Department of Elections.

The event is free and open to the public. Details: Nannette Bailey at nabailey@vcu.edu.