One of the common themes heard in the 2016 presidential election was the idea that the political system is corrupt; it is what allowed Donald Trump, a reality TV celebrity with no political experience whatsoever, to rise above sixteen other candidates, and it is what helped septuagenarian Bernie Sanders win over the hearts of the American youth. Now this idea that the American political system is tainted, unfortunately, has some ground to stand on: the lack of transparency between politicians and their constituents, the hollow promises of elected leaders, and the partisan bitterness in government have all allowed this narrative to not be an erroneous claim. However, voter fraud is one of the biggest perceived problems in the American political
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Voter ID laws would cut down on the amount of people voting twice and/or using deceased Californian’s identities to cast a vote. In 2005, a commission led by former president Jimmy Carter came to the conclusion that states should implement a photo-identification requirement as a prerequisite for voting. (Overton, 643) One of the largest criticisms of these laws is that they make voting more difficult for minority groups. However a study in Georgia, a state with voter ID laws, noted that more minority voters actually came out to vote with the voter ID laws in place than before they were enacted. (Gillespie, 46-50) The United States Supreme Court also decided that Indiana’s voter ID laws do not place an undue burden on the voters. (Harvard Law Review, 1981-1982) Implementing voter ID laws, in a similar vein to Georgia and Indiana, would help California fight voter fraud and help restore faith in the political …show more content…
Educating voters about the issues and candidates only works if people are still able to get out and vote on Election Day. Despite the overall public’s increased level of education, a trend that historically correlated with who voted, voter apathy still remains high. Making Election Day a holiday would not only increase voter turnout, but voter enthusiasm. (Heclo 492) Additionally, having Election Day become a holiday in California would increase accessibility to those with disabilities to enjoy the social aspects of participating in the electoral process. (Schur, Shields, Kruse, & Schriner, 185) Having Election Day become a holiday in California would enable more voters to participate in the electoral process and weaken the influence of voter
Voter ID laws would cut down on the amount of people voting twice and/or using deceased Californian’s identities to cast a vote. In 2005, a commission led by former president Jimmy Carter came to the conclusion that states should implement a photo-identification requirement as a prerequisite for voting. (Overton, 643) One of the largest criticisms of these laws is that they make voting more difficult for minority groups. However a study in Georgia, a state with voter ID laws, noted that more minority voters actually came out to vote with the voter ID laws in place than before they were enacted. (Gillespie, 46-50) The United States Supreme Court also decided that Indiana’s voter ID laws do not place an undue burden on the voters. (Harvard Law Review, 1981-1982) Implementing voter ID laws, in a similar vein to Georgia and Indiana, would help California fight voter fraud and help restore faith in the political …show more content…
Educating voters about the issues and candidates only works if people are still able to get out and vote on Election Day. Despite the overall public’s increased level of education, a trend that historically correlated with who voted, voter apathy still remains high. Making Election Day a holiday would not only increase voter turnout, but voter enthusiasm. (Heclo 492) Additionally, having Election Day become a holiday in California would increase accessibility to those with disabilities to enjoy the social aspects of participating in the electoral process. (Schur, Shields, Kruse, & Schriner, 185) Having Election Day become a holiday in California would enable more voters to participate in the electoral process and weaken the influence of voter