Proposal: Extend Early Voting Access
Pro/Con Summary
PRO:
CON:
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/04/opinion/early-voting-in-new-york-means-easier-voting.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0
http://news.yahoo.com/democratic-comeback-voter-id-060016184.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/05/09/colorado-strikes-a-blow-for-voting-reform/
- Getting more citizens to participate in elections makes the outcomes of those elections more representative of the public will, thereby strengthening American democracy
- Expanding the amount of time voters have to cast their ballots has been proven to increase voter turnout.
- Enabling citizens to vote early would make the voting process less burdensome for all Americans, firstly by allowing them to vote when it is convenient for them, and secondly by making lines shorter on Election Day.
CON:
- It is unclear whether the United States Constitution permits early voting. Article 2, Section 1 states that “Congress may determine the Time of chusing [sic] the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.” Early voting allows citizens to cast their ballots on different days, thereby potentially violating the Constitution.
- State legislators can corruptly manipulate early voting to encourage citizens to vote when the state’s ruling party is politically popular.
- Requiring early voting would place too costly a burden on states and municipalities, especially in this tough economic climate.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/04/opinion/early-voting-in-new-york-means-easier-voting.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0
http://news.yahoo.com/democratic-comeback-voter-id-060016184.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/05/09/colorado-strikes-a-blow-for-voting-reform/