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Election Systems in Maryland |
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Thursday, 26 October 2006 |
U.S.
democracy is facing serious problems. Voter turnout in the U.S. ranks
127th out of 172 countries. Despite the unpopularity of Congress,
manipulated districts ensure that more than 95% of incumbents get
re-elected. Obstacles and deliberate manipulations to undermine the
right to vote, for which penalties are rarely imposed, prevent voters
from voting.
Paperless voting machines raise concerns about
whether we can trust that our votes are being counted as they are
cast. Finally, money dominates expensive campaigns, mainly waged on
television in sound-bite format. The cost of campaigns creates a
stranglehold, making politics a game for only the rich or those
funded by the rich.
Voters in the United States rarely get to
vote for what they want. Instead the manipulations of the two
status-quo parties frighten voters into voting for the lesser evil
rather than the greater good. Major electoral reforms are needed to
strengthen U.S. democracy, including:
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Voter-verified paper ballots so the counting of votes can be
observed and audited.
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Debates including all ballot-approved candidates.
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“Instant run off” voting so voters can rank their top choices in
multi-candidate races.
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Universal voter registration for all eligible voters.
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Same-day registration so voters can register on Election Day.
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Clean-money campaigns to limit the influence of money in
elections.
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National voter initiatives to encourage direct democracy on
major issues.
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Access to the public airwaves of radio and television for all
ballot-approved candidates.
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Proportional representation so that minority views are
represented in the legislature.
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Non-partisan administration of elections by civil servants not
involved with electoral activities.
I am a co-founder of True
Vote MD, as well as co-founder of the national group Vote Trust
USA. These are organizations concerned with ensuring the integrity of
the election process. I also serve on the board of Velvet Revolution,
an organization working for transparent elections. By working
together to ensure a fair election process, we will restore
confidence in our democracy and the election process.
For
more information, read: Democracy
Issues
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