A simple plan to reform voting and create trust in the election system.
- Voter ID required
- Single day voting on national holiday
- Paper ballots counted by hand, no machines
- Full transparency that is auditable
The United States electoral system is in need of comprehensive reform to enhance integrity, transparency, and voter confidence. By implementing four key proposals - voter ID requirements, single-day voting on a national holiday, hand-counted paper ballots, and full transparency - we can create a more robust and trustworthy voting process.
Voter ID Requirements
Requiring voters to present valid identification before casting a ballot is a crucial step in ensuring election integrity. Currently, 36 states have some form of voter ID law, with 21 requiring or requesting photo IDs[4]. This widespread adoption reflects the broad public support for such measures, with 80% of Americans favoring voter ID laws across all demographic groups[4].
Contrary to concerns about voter suppression, research has shown that voter ID laws do not negatively impact voter turnout. A 2021 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found no adverse effects on registration or turnout for any group defined by race, gender, age, or party affiliation[4]. In fact, some studies suggest that voter ID requirements may slightly increase turnout, particularly among low-propensity voters[4].
Single-Day Voting on a National Holiday
Designating Election Day as a national holiday and consolidating voting to a single day would simplify the voting process and increase participation. This approach would ensure that all eligible voters have equal opportunity to cast their ballots without conflicting work obligations. It would also reduce the complexity and potential security risks associated with extended voting periods.
Paper Ballots Counted by Hand
Implementing a system of paper ballots counted by hand would address concerns about the security and reliability of electronic voting machines. This method provides a tangible, auditable record of each vote cast, reducing the risk of technological manipulation or errors. While it may take longer to tally results, the increased confidence in the accuracy of the count would outweigh any temporary delay.
Full Transparency and Auditability
Ensuring full transparency throughout the voting process is essential for maintaining public trust in elections. This includes clear chain-of-custody procedures for ballots, open observation of the counting process, and comprehensive post-election audits. By making every step of the election process visible and verifiable, we can significantly reduce doubts about the integrity of results.
Benefits of Reform
These reforms would address many of the concerns that have eroded public confidence in recent elections. Voter ID requirements would help prevent potential fraud without imposing undue burdens on voters[1][4]. A single voting day on a national holiday would simplify the process and potentially increase turnout. Hand-counted paper ballots would provide a secure, tangible record of votes cast. And full transparency would allow for thorough auditing and verification of results.
Importantly, these measures have broad public support. The popularity of voter ID laws, in particular, suggests that implementing such requirements would increase voter confidence in the electoral process[4]. By adopting these reforms, we can create a voting system that is not only more secure and transparent but also more trusted by the American people.
In conclusion, these four proposals - voter ID requirements, single-day voting on a national holiday, hand-counted paper ballots, and full transparency - offer a comprehensive approach to electoral reform. By addressing concerns about integrity, accessibility, and transparency, we can strengthen our democratic process and restore faith in the outcomes of our elections.
Citations:
[1] Voter identification laws in the United States - Wikipedia
[2] Voter identification | MIT Election Lab
[3] https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/07/04/more-states-consider-voter-id-laws-amid-conflicting-research-on-their-impact/
[4] https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/should-we-require-voters-to-produce-id-before-casting-a-ballot/
[5] New Research Ahead of 2024 Confirms Voter ID Laws Impact Millions - Democracy Docket
[6] What's So Bad About Voter ID Laws? | League of Women Voters
[7] https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id
[8] Voter ID | Brennan Center for Justice