In the spirit of our Founders and the principles they enshrined in our Constitution, it is essential to revisit and reassert the concept of a singular Election Day as opposed to the elongated election seasons that have become common in modern times. This shift away from a defined Election Day undermines the integrity of our electoral process and deviates from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.
The Founders’ Vision
The Founders of the United States were keenly aware of the potential pitfalls and challenges of democratic elections. They crafted the Constitution with a clear understanding of human nature and the importance of a structured, uniform electoral process. James Madison, often regarded as the Father of the Constitution, emphasized the necessity of a stable and consistent government. In Federalist No. 10, he warned of the dangers of factions and the importance of a system that could manage and mitigate these risks.
Thomas Jefferson, another pivotal figure, echoed similar sentiments. He underscored the importance of a participatory democracy that relied on an informed electorate making decisions within a clearly defined framework. An election season that spans weeks or even months was far from the structured and precise process the Founders envisioned.
The Constitution, particularly Article II, Section 1, Clause 4, grants Congress the authority to determine the time of choosing the electors and the day they shall give their votes. The historical precedent set by Congress in 1845 established the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day. This decision was aimed at creating uniformity and preventing the manipulation and undue influence that could arise from prolonged voting periods.
Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist No. 68, highlighted the importance of a transparent and effective electoral process. He argued for a system that would minimize corruption and ensure that the will of the people was accurately reflected. A single Election Day helps achieve this by reducing opportunities for fraud and ensuring that all voters are operating under the same conditions and information.
Modern Implications
The shift towards an election season introduces several challenges and vulnerabilities that undermine the principles of a fair and transparent electoral process:
- Voter Fraud and Manipulation: Prolonged voting periods increase the risk of fraudulent activities and the manipulation of votes. A singular Election Day minimizes these risks by creating a more controlled and secure environment for casting and counting votes.
- Uniform Information: An extended election period means that voters may cast their ballots with varying levels of information. Significant events or revelations occurring during the election season can unfairly influence early voters differently from those voting later. A single Election Day ensures that all voters make their decisions based on the same set of facts and circumstances.
- Voter Fatigue: An election season can lead to voter fatigue and disengagement. The continuous bombardment of campaign messages over an extended period can overwhelm and discourage voters, potentially leading to lower participation rates.
- Administrative Burden: Managing an election season imposes significant administrative challenges and costs. Election officials must ensure the security and integrity of the voting process over an extended period, increasing the potential for errors and logistical complications.
Returning to Founding Principles
To honor the intent of the Founders and safeguard the integrity of our electoral process, it is imperative to advocate for a return to a single Election Day. This approach aligns with the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and the protection of a fair democratic process.
James Madison’s wisdom in Federalist No. 10 remains relevant:
“The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished.”
A singular Election Day addresses these concerns by promoting stability, justice, and clarity in our electoral process.
Conclusion
The Founders designed a system of government that balances the need for a participatory democracy with the necessity of a stable and orderly process. The move towards an election season disrupts this balance and introduces risks that undermine the integrity of our elections. By reaffirming the importance of a single Election Day, we can honor the vision of the Founders and ensure that our electoral process remains fair, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.
As we navigate the complexities of modern governance, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles that have guided our nation since its inception. A single Election Day is not merely a procedural preference; it is a foundational element of a robust and resilient democratic republic.
Peter Serefine is a Patriot Academy Constitution Coach, Instructor for Institute on the Constitution, Author, Navy Veteran, and PA State Constable
Homepage: https://www.liberty-lighthouse.com
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Kentucky has a very reasonable system. In the Bluegrass State, we use machine-read paper ballots, and early voting is allowed at the county courthouse for three days — not including Sunday — prior to election day. This allows those who wish to avoid long lines, or those who cannot get off of work, to vote, in person.
In Kentucky, I am required to show my driver’s license, and the bar code on the back is scanned, to vote. That seems pretty reasonable to me!
Make it a national holiday. No one works. One day. Purple finger. Paper ballots.
Of course accommodation for military overseas should be made. I am not sure how to deal with shit ins without opening up the ballot harvesting can of worms.
My wife always has a problem with election day: she’s a registered nurse, working 12½ hour shifts in a hospital. National holiday or not, hospitals don’t get to close. And hospitals are not the only businesses which don’t get to close: police and fire departments, ambulance services, pharmacies, just a whole host of things.