Electoral reform in the United States has been a complex and pressing issue for many years. Strengthening electoral processes is essential to safeguarding democracy and preventing the rise of autocracy. However, various pressures have been exerted that discourage electoral reforms.
Pressures Exerted Against Electoral Reforms
- Political Resistance: Many elected officials benefit from the current system and resist changes that could weaken their party’s advantage. For example, efforts to reform the Electoral College often face opposition from politicians who rely on its structure to win elections.
- Institutional Barriers: The complexity of amending the Constitution makes major reforms difficult. Even widely supported changes, such as shifting to a national popular vote, require significant legal and political hurdles.
- Voter Suppression Measures: Some legislative efforts, like the SAVE Act, impose stricter voting requirements that could make it harder for millions of Americans to participate in elections. These measures often disproportionately affect marginalized communities and discourage reform efforts aimed at expanding voter access.
- Public Misinformation: Opponents of reform oftentimes spread misinformation about proposed changes, suggesting they would lead to instability or fraud. This creates confusion and reduces public support for reforms.
- Financial Influence: Wealthy donors and interest groups often lobby against reforms that would limit their political influence, such as campaign finance regulations.
Reforms to Enhance Our Democratic System
- Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV): This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that winners have broader support. It reduces the “spoiler effect” and encourages more diverse candidates.
- Abolishing or Reforming the Electoral College: The Electoral College undermines the principle of “one person, one vote.” Proposals include adopting the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact or transitioning to a direct popular vote.
- Campaign Finance Reform: Limiting the influence of money in politics by overturning decisions like Citizens United v. FEC and increasing transparency in political donations. This decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010, centered on whether restrictions on corporate and union spending for political campaigns violated the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. The Court ruled in a 5–4 decision that corporations and unions could spend unlimited funds on independent political advertisements, as long as they were not directly coordinating with candidates or campaigns.
- Ending Gerrymandering: Establishing independent commissions to draw district boundaries could prevent manipulation that favors incumbents or political parties.
- Improving Ballot Access: Simplifying voter registration, expanding early voting, and ensuring equitable access to polling places would strengthen voter participation.
What Can you do?
- Advocate for Change: Support organizations and movements pushing for electoral reform. Common Cause, Abolish the Electoral College PAC and Independent Voter Project (IVP) are three such organizations.
- Engage Politically: Vote for candidates who prioritize democratic reforms and hold elected officials accountable.
- Educate Others: Raise awareness about the importance of these issues to build public support.