A bipartisan report released by The Carter Center and the Baker Institute for Public Policy highlights the erosion of faith in election results in the United States. The report identifies extreme partisanship and the complexity of the decentralized voting system as key factors contributing to this decline in trust. To address these issues, the report puts forth ten principles aimed at promoting transparency and simplifying the voting process.
The report emphasizes that elections in the United States are inherently complex, with thousands of voting jurisdictions and varying rules from state to state. However, the current state of politics has further exacerbated the problem, as partisan gamesmanship has taken precedence over problem-solving, particularly regarding the way in which leaders are elected.
The principles outlined in the report seek to strike a balance between equal access to the polls and the integrity of election results. The recommendations include clear and well-communicated election laws, easy but secure voter registration processes, regular audits of local voting procedures, and transparent vote counting. These measures are seen as essential in addressing the 'tumultuous period of domestic unrest' and extreme polarization that characterizes American politics today.
The collaboration between The Carter Center and the Baker Institute began in 2020 and draws inspiration from the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, led by former President Jimmy Carter and former Republican Secretary of State James A. Baker III in 2005. While the two organizations have worked together on various issues, this report marks their first comprehensive examination of the nation's election system and policies.
David Carroll, the director of the Carter Center's Democracy Program, acknowledges the complexity and challenge of managing elections and shaping public perception in a country with 10,000 voting jurisdictions. However, Carroll highlights that the doubts surrounding election processes have increased despite significant improvements in these processes over the past 25 years.
Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University and co-director of the Baker Institute's Presidential Elections Program, emphasizes that while no state is perfect, many have been making improvements in areas such as voter registration, voting flexibility, and technology. The principles put forth by the report are intended to guide further enhancements, ensuring that voter photo ID requirements are accessible to all without hardship and that votes are counted as close to Election Day as possible to maintain public confidence.
Amy Cohen, the executive director of the National Association of State Election Directors, points out that election officials are continuously striving to improve the voting system. Cohen underscores the importance of proactive communication to combat the proliferation of false information about elections. Educating voters about the intricacies of the voting process, particularly the time required for accurate tabulation of results, is crucial in rebuilding trust.
The bipartisan report aims to address the challenges presented by extreme polarization and a decentralized voting system with varying rules. By advocating for transparency, simplicity, and accessibility, the report seeks to restore faith in election results and strengthen the integrity of the democratic process in the United States.
