The Claremont Institute recently hosted a conference, "Rethinking the 2020s," exploring political dynamics and potential governance challenges in the coming decade. This event is one of several efforts aiming to rethink the current political landscape and understand the reasons behind the rise of populism and polarization.
With the 2020 U.S. election seeing record-high turnout and a surge in mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are already discussions about reforming electoral processes. Changes could include expanding vote-by-mail, implementing automatic voter registration, and increasing election security measures. However, these debates often get entangled in partisan politics, making it challenging to reach consensus.
Reforming Electoral Processes
The attractiveness of vote-by-mail, evident in the 2020 election, has led to calls for its widespread adoption. Advocates argue it increases voter turnout, particularly among younger and disabled voters. However, critics raise concerns about election integrity and the potential for voter fraud, although extensive research finds these cases to be rare.
Automatic voter registration (AVR) has gained traction as a means to boost turnout. States like California and Oregon have seen increased registrations and slight turnout increases since implementing AVR. Yet, there are privacy concerns, with critics arguing individuals should have the choice to register and have their data collected.
Vote-by-Mail Expansion
While mail-in voting has benefits, election administrators must ensure voters' instructions are clear and easily understandable to avoid disruptions. In the 2020 election, some states struggled with managing a surge in mail-in ballots, leading to delays and long lines at polling stations. Postal service capacity and funding have also been concerns.
To mitigate these issues, election officials could invest in modernizing voting infrastructure, such as improving ballot tracking systems and providing clear, timely instructions to voters. Additionally, expanding early voting options could alleviate pressure on Election Day.
Implementing Automatic Voter Registration
Supporters of AVR contend it eases registration processes, especially for young voters who may not drive and thus wouldn't engage with DMVs. A study by the Center for American Progress found that AVR could increase turnout among young voters by 2-3 percentage points.
Opponents, however, argue that automatic registration could potentially enroll ineligible voters, such as non-citizens. To address this concern, registration lists should be cross-referenced with state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records to remove duplicates or ineligible registrations. Moreover, states could require proof of citizenship for new registrants.
Increasing Election Security Measures
With enhanced digital connectivity, there are increasing worries about cyber threats and foreign interference in elections. The 2016 and 2018 U.S. elections saw attempts by foreign actors to meddle, primarily through online propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
Strengthening election security requires investments in modern infrastructure, robust training for election officials, and better coordination among agencies and states. Additionally, efforts to counter disinformation campaigns are vital, as seen in the Defending Digital Democracy project's work with social media platforms and researchers.
Investing in Modern Voting Infrastructure
Upgrading voting machines and equipment, particularlyollision-resistant machines, could help protect elections from cyber threats. However, this process requires significant funding and time, with a nationwide transition difficult due to varying state laws and resources.
Efforts like the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) have provided funds for voting machine upgrades. Nevertheless, the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) estimated in 2018 that around 40% of registered voters live in counties using voting equipment that is at or beyond its expected lifespan.
Countering Disinformation Campaigns
Addressing disinformation effectively requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including social media platforms, researchers, and fact-checkers. Easterly Fellowship, for instance, works with tech companies to identify and mitigate false information on their platforms.
Moreover, governments can engage citizens by promoting digital literacy, which can help individuals recognize and reject unfounded claims. Initiatives like the "Check Before You Share" campaign in the UK encourage users to verify information's authenticity before sharing it online.
Ultimately, reforming electoral processes and enhancing election security demands ongoing dialogues and collaborations. As technology advances, so too must our understanding and safeguarding of our democracy. By fostering bipartisan cooperation and evidence-based policymaking, we can ensure fair, secure, and inclusive elections in the years ahead.