Election Reform
Election systems open to inspection, from the hardware to the software, are essential to preserving our faith in democracy. An audit trail, from beginning to end, is also important so voters are assured that their intent is recorded properly and so any recounts are efficient. I question the march to electronic systems at the expense of accuracy and accountability. There are open-source solutions available at all these points; however, they are continually ignored by the government bid process. I will advocate for these systems if electronic voting is required.
The Presidential electoral college system is flawed on many levels. First, it is an antique from a bygone era when land-based communication was all we had. Second, it disproportionately concentrates power and campaign focus on a few "swing states;" this focus usually translates into pork politics. Third, it disillusions political minorities from the electoral process. All Americans elect the president, and all Americans should be empowered to cast their vote in a popular election. At the very least, Utah should provide an example for other states by joining Nebraska and Maine in selecting electors by Congressional district instead of a "winner-take-all" statewide system.
While I favor instant-runoff voting, I believe that voting should be as simple as possible. Unless it has been demonstrated to be workable in national elections, I do not think it should be used in a Presidential election.
Campaign finance is an issue that I am intimate with through this campaign. It is arduous for non-incumbents and heavily advantagous for incumbents. I support public financing in the same model as what has been done in Arizona. Anyone should be encouraged to run for any office; right now, however, finance is an enormous wall that stops most people from considering candidacy.
