Write an essay in which you explore and critically assess the topic of election reform in the United States and/or California. The essay must address at least one proposed or alternative electoral reform that would change current election and/or voting practices.
In deciding what reform you choose to write on, you should explore the websites of various policy think tanks, organizations, political parties, interest groups, and/or news sources that address the topic of election/voting reform. Select at least one proposed electoral reform policy and write a 4-5 page essay analyzing the main points of the policy (or policies). Compare the proposed policy to current US or state election policy. Critically analyze and discuss how the new policy will change current election practices. Provide arguments as to whether the new policies will enhance or hinder current election/voting practices, such as the level of democracy or citizen representation.
Possible Topics
“For the People Act of 2021” (passed by House of Representatives on March 3, 2021)
“John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (passed by House of Representatives on August 24, 2021)
“Freedom to Vote Act” (Introduced in Senate on September 14, 2021)
Changes in redistricting practices (gerrymandering)
Same Day Voter Registration or automatic voter registration.
Changes in FCC (Federal Communications Commission) policy
Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) or Ranked Choice Voting
Proportional representation
Electoral college reform
Campaign finance reform
No-fault absentee voting
Early voting
Mail-in voting
Election Day as a holiday or time off for voting
Voter’s Bill of Rights
Changes in Presidential Debates to allow third parties.
Increase the size of the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives
Possible points to include in your analysis.
How will such electoral reforms improve the level of democracy, representation or citizen participation?
What issues will such reforms resolve?
How will such reforms be put into practice?
What laws need to change? Will it be necessary to change either the California Constitution or the U.S. Constitution?
Compare U.S. voting practices with the practices of other countries.
Will the implementation of a particular reform lively improve voter turnout? (compare with other countries or voting systems)
Will such electoral reforms provide more or less democracy, equality, justice, freedom, and/or representation? (provide reasons why this would be the case)
What politicians support and/or oppose the election reforms and why?
What political parties support and/or oppose election reform and why?
What interest groups support and/or oppose election reform and why?
Organization of paper
There are several ways to organize the paper, and you are free to organize it the way you wish as long as it is coherent.
