The People’s Union advocates for the expansion of policies and laws that will make it easier for American citizens to participate in their democracy. While some states have enacted reforms that make it much easier for Americans to vote, others continue on a path of restricting voter’s rights (Singh & Carter, 2023). We propose the following federal reforms to make democracy more accessible to all Americans.
Some states have designated election day as a state holiday and/or provide paid leave for voting. We want to see these laws enacted universally, at the federal level.
We advocate for a federal election day holiday, or at a minimum a federal law that requires employers to provide paid time off for voting. The following measures should also be taken, through legislation at the state and federal levels, to increase participation in elections:
- Strategically locate and equally distribute polling stations. This approach will ensure that all citizens have convenient access to cast their votes, regardless of their geographical location.
- Ensure an adequate number of voting polls, guaranteeing every eligible voter the opportunity to cast their ballot conveniently.
- Keep polling stations open for 24 hours to enable every eligible voter to find a suitable time to exercise their right to vote.
- Implement Federal Voting IDs. These IDs will be issued in person, similar to a passport, to each registered voter in the USA. They will include a photo, thumbprint, and a barcode containing all relevant information.
Finally, to address concerns regarding lost or misplaced voting cards, boards of election should encourage voters to take a photo of their voting card, capturing both the front and back. This photo can be presented to polling stations, allowing them to scan the barcode and verify the voter’s identity, ensuring a secure and accurate voting process.