If free and fair elections are the heart of our prized democratic system of government, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond question. Yet all too often, flaws in the administration of our elections have undermined public confidence in the results. This volume is virtually unique in focusing closely on the procedural problems of our electoral system, including those posed by the computerization of voting systems. The author analyzes events in the electoral history of the United States (and, tangentially, of certain other nations) to reveal the particular dynamics of democratic electoral systems that permit purportedly free and fair elections to subvert rather than express the public will.Past electoral crises shedding light on our electoral deficiencies are chronicled in detail, allowing the author to diagnose systemic failures that can, he contends, be remedied in order to strengthen our democratic system. Chapters focus on current laws and procedures regarding voter registration, provisional ballots, absentee ballots, computerized voting systems, and the Electoral College. The author recommends specific reforms in all these areas that will safeguard our democratic heritage and ensure that the voice of the people is heard. The book presents often-complex material in lucid prose, illuminating issues vital to democracy.

Annotated bibliography of print and electronic materials for further study

AcknowledgmentsIntroductionChapter 1. The 2000 Presidential Election CrisisChapter 2. State, National, and International CrisesChapter 3. The Electoral College DebateChapter 4. The Electoral College: Reform ProposalsChapter 5. Voter RegistrationChapter 6. The Voter Identification DisputeChapter 7. Provisional BallotsChapter 8. Absentee BallotsChapter 9. RedistrictingChapter 10. Computerized Voting SystemsConclusionAppendix A. Key Election LawsAppendix B. Electoral Votes by StateAppendix C. Computerized Voting System CompaniesAppendix D. Table of CasesSelected Bibliography