The DNC just released a report from the
Voting Rights Institute, chaired by Donna Brazile, which examines the last election in Ohio and gives recommendations on how to improve upon voting problems experienced there. You can read the report
here.
Brazile: "Democracy only works when citizens believe election outcomes actually reflect their choices." "Our goal was not to question the election result, but to determine whether or not every eligible voter in Ohio who sought to vote was able to cast a ballot and have it properly counted. The data clearly indicates that the system failed far too many Ohio voters."
More after the fold...
This report points out rampant fraud, systemic failures, and pervasive suppression of minority votes. The online community has been fully aware of these problems all along. This DNC sponsored report - from a team of both partisan and non-partisan experts - does not attempt to challenge the election results in OH. It is a call to action - a statement that we and others are committed to upholding American democracy are able to effect change. Our democracy cannot survive if people are not allowed to confidently vote. It is that simple.
Although many of the recommendations require official or legislative action, others simply need smart, vigilant people. Be it training, oversight, or assistance, an average, educated, civic-minded person has the capacity to make these reforms. This means YOU, the DailyKos reader.
- Volunteer or run to serve as an election judge at the poll.
- Sign up for a voting assistance/monitoring organization.
- Create a group like the Committee of Seventy in Philadelphia.
These are not difficult tasks and take a minimal amount of time. If we do not serve as the eyes and ears of our electoral system, the other side will. This report reveals the result of our lax vigilance.
Of course, we should also conduct our standard calling and emailing campaign to make sure our elected officials as well as the MSM pick this up.