Does voting reform have to be done at the state level?

[napi21]

I've read many many posts on voter fraud, no trust in our elections, etc. Instead of all the complaining, we need to get some active changes in place BEFORE the 2006 elections.

Since voting rules are all set at the individual state level, does that mean we have to get this started there, or can we concentrate on the Feds to enact laws that MUST be followed in each state?

I have done my share of calling, writing and emailing at botht he Fed & State level, but I'm at a very distinct disadvantage. I live in Ga. and all officials are Pubs! Although I would think both dems & pubs would want FAIR elections, if the pubs do believe they aren't but it's helped them to win, I can't think of a single thing we could do or say to get any changes made!

There are a few Pubs in the US house & senate who aren't in favor of a lot of the rules changes that are currently being proposed, BECAUSE they may someday be out of power, and the changes would still be in place. If we could push THAT idea...if the current voting systems aren't secure and to be trusted, the dems could also figure out how to manipulate them to their advantage...maybe we could get a bi-partisan law passed to enable full transparency and an election result that everyone believes!

[AlabamaYankee]

1. I've wondered that myself

Voting has historically been strictly a state matter; hence the poll taxes, varying residency requirements, felon disenfranchisement and other barriers to participation that have been enacted. However, the Federal Government has intruded in the process through the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act so there is a precedent. I would like to see Federal legislation that enacts universal standards for elections to Federal offices that would cover such areas as eligibility, access and accountability - an auditable paper trail - and perhaps even recount criteria. I would also like to see adequate Federal Funding of elections to ensure an adequate number of polling places and training for all poll workers.

Hey, I can dream, can't I?

[msgadget]

2. I think federal reform so there's uniformity across the country. (eom)

[Bridget Burke]

3. But--enacted by THIS Federal government?

At least some states have sane people in charge.

[msgadget]

7. Hey, I hear ya, but there has to be uniformity.

I'm just saying what we have a right to expect, not that we're going to actually get it!

[ibegurpard]

4. Best place to be effective

and to actually have a voice. Most election procedures ARE left to the states at this time.

[napi21]

5. I don't dispute that, but how in the world do you do that in a RED state?

I live in Ga. Even all my state reps are Pub. The Dem party here is useless! I've gone to several meetings, and first, there are very few people there, but second, the leaders are just weak wusses. The leader of the Dem party in our county is a very nice guy, but he had by-pass surgery last spring, and was recouperating for over six months. Strong Dems that the party is, had no interim replacement for him! This last election, ALL of the positions on the ballot that weren't Federal were Pubs running unopposed!

You see my problem here!!!!

[ibegurpard]

6. You won't like this answer

You'll have to BECOME the leadership. It's that simple (and that complicated). You get like-minded people to support you and remake the leadership starting at the very bottom local levels.

[napi21]

8. 20 years ago, I would have done that!

Unfortunately, I'm 62 and have a handicap that prevents me from driving anymore. Believe me, I've even thought about it, but without the $$ to have a chaufer, I just don't see it happening!