Despite the fact that our recent election did not result in a meltdown of the system or widespread fraud or abuse....do we need comprehensive election reform in the US?
I think so.
Here is the reform I would like to see for elections involving national offices (Pres and Congress):
Standardized voter registration requirements for all states. Or better yet, automatic registration tied to something like Social Security number (if you are over 18 and you have a SS card, you are registered..period.)
If not automatic registration, a federal requirement to allow same day registration (currently only 9-10 states allow it) in all states.
Federal requirement for all states to hold early voting or voting by mail (like Oregon). The highest turnouts are the in the states that have these voting options.
Standardized voting machines for all precincts in all states w/testing procedures and paper trails.
Stiff penalties for deceptive practices (like mailings that target certain voters with false information)
We spend $billions to promote "free and fair" democratic elections around the world and yet our system is flawed in many ways.
The Republicans have opposed most serious attempts at election reform in recent years with the assumption that any such reform would more likely benefit Democrats.
I think we will see new efforts at election reform from the 111th Congress.
Is it necessary? What should it include?