After, nearly two – and – a – half centuries, the experiment, our Founding Fathers, attempted, of creating a Republic with the Democratic freedoms, rights and liberties, guaranteed by our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and subsequent Amendments, are being tested, and appear, at – risk, predominantly, because so many, seem to have lost faith in our willingness and ability to consistently, produce fair elections and votes! This is, neither, a new challenge, nor a simple one, to resolve! There are many factors involved, including: political rhetoric; conspiracy theories; errors and mistakes; and the complicated, complex one, which includes, whether, we need to keep the Electoral College, as – is, tweak, switch to a popular vote, or switch, thoroughly, to a parliament – type approach. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, consider, examine, review and discuss, these factors, and possible ramifications and solutions.
1. Political rhetoric: When politicians and their supporters, resort to using rhetoric, claiming voter fraud, etc, without evidence, it creates a major obstacle to keeping our nation strong! Who do they represent, those who they are elected to serve and represent, or prioritizing, their personal / political agenda, and/ or, self – interest? When a significant minority believes unfounded theories (with little, to no evidence), isn’t that a potential threat?
2. Errors and mistakes: There is such – a – thing, as an honest error! Unfortunately, however, when errors occur, even if discovered before it impacts results (such as the recent NYC Mayor race), it feeds, the conspiracy frenzy, etc.
3. Popular vote, versus Electoral College: The original reasoning, behind using the Electoral College, was our Founders, believed, few were educated, enough, to make responsible decisions, based in an informed – manner! Another reason was related to the challenge, related to counting popular votes, in a timely, accurate, trusted manner. Unfortunately, even, then, there was probably a desire by a few powerful individuals, to maintain most of the control and power. There was also, concern, that a few, larger states, would have, too much, Voice, in National elections. However, since, the beginning of this century, we have witnessed, several occasions, when candidates, with fewer popular votes, were, thus, elected President!
4. Is our system the best, most viable and/ or, efficient one, for this country?: Would we benefit from using a Parliamentary system, where, we elected Representatives, and they elected the President?
With, so little, achieved, in Congress, and so much mistrust, is it possible to bring Americans together, for the greater good? We must resolve, the challenges facing our electoral process, sooner, rather than later!
