it's the system, stoopid

On the eve of what may well be an historic election in the US, already there is chatter about electoral fraud, vote rigging, and other pernicious activities. Were this an emerging democracy--or a faux one, like many ex-Soviet nations--that would be understandable though not acceptable.

But in the US, whose system of governance revolutionized the world for nearly 3 centuries? Tragic, inexcusable...and fixable.

They're called Electoral Commissions. The US needs some. Stat.

Most modern, pluralistic democracies have them. (like this one, and that one, and that one, and that one too....even that one). Many have multiples ones, for national and regional/provincial/state/territorial elections. The premise is simple: have a non-partisan, independent, arms-length quasi-governmental agency administer democracy. Electoral Commissions coordinate voter registration, elections, and--most importantly--vote counting. Many also coordinate the redrawing of electoral maps when population changes make such changes desirable.

In the US system this would mean all states need one. And not "bi-partisan" ones, like in New York State. Non-partisan.

Get these up and running and the bullshit will end will be reduced.

C'est du chinois pour moi

It's a lovely autumn day here in Vancouver. querrelle and I wandered down to Chinatown for lunch and some browsing. Really nice time, but am knackered. We're now having a latte on Denman street. Noice.

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