An Election Redesign to Restore Trust in US Democracy | Tiana Epps-Johnson | TED

TL;DR

Introducing the urgent need to address the crumbling US election infrastructure and the formation of the US Alliance for Election Excellence.

Transcript

It's dark days for democracy. And our crisis is global. If you're like me, you can feel it in your bones. My expertise focuses on democracy in the United States, where I live and work. And while we've long lifted up our own system on a pedestal as an example for the world, we're one of those democracies that's currently in a yearslong decline. So m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Global Crisis: Democracy is currently facing dark days globally, not just in the United States, and urgent action is needed to address the threats to democracy worldwide.
• 💔 Broken System: The focus on the Democrats vs. Republicans and the winners and losers of elections is diverting attention from the more fundamental challenge of the crumbling US election infrastructure.
• 🏛 Critical Infrastructure: The US election infrastructure, including technology, facilities, and human resources, is essential but severely underinvested compared to other critical infrastructure sectors like power and water supply.
• 🌎 Unique System: Unlike some other countries with a central election authority, the US has thousands of local departments managing voting logistics independently, resulting in variations in voting experiences across the country.
• 💻 Outdated Technology: Many election officials lack the basic technology needed to perform their duties reliably, with some still using outdated equipment like hand crank ballot boxes.
• 🎯 Election Officials Under Threat: Election officials who played a crucial role in conducting secure elections are experiencing death threats, bullying, and forcing some to leave their homes, putting a strain on the voting process and democracy.
• 🌟 US Alliance for Election Excellence: The US Alliance aims to provide a supportive community for election officials, technologists, and designers to revitalize US democracy by focusing on shared values, tools, and a strong foundation.
• 💪 Rebuilding Democracy: It is crucial to rebuild the foundation of US democracy to ensure fair and trustworthy elections for all voters, regardless of their location, by investing in technology and supporting election officials.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main challenge facing US democracy today?

The main challenge facing US democracy today is the crumbling election infrastructure, including technology, facilities, and most importantly, the people who manage the voting process. The United States election system is unique, with no central election authority responsible for managing the logistics of voting for the entire country, resulting in widely different voting experiences throughout the US.

Q: How has the US election infrastructure been prioritized by the government?

Despite being designated critical infrastructure by the US Department of Homeland Security, the election infrastructure has not been invested in like it's critical. On average, only about half of one percent of a county budget is spent on election operations, which is equivalent to the amount spent on maintaining parking facilities. This lack of investment has led to outdated technology and inadequate resources for election officials.

Q: What is the role of election officials and how are they being affected?

Election officials play a crucial role in managing the voting process and ensuring its integrity. However, they are currently under attack, facing death threats, harassment, and even having to flee their homes. According to a recent survey, one in three election officials feel unsafe doing their work. This hostile environment is appalling and needs to be addressed.

Q: How can the challenges facing US democracy be addressed?

To address the challenges facing US democracy, a shared set of values and standards need to be established. The US Alliance for Election Excellence is inviting every election department in the United States to join, creating a community where election officials, technologists, designers, and other experts can work together to revitalize US democracy. This includes providing necessary resources, training, and technology to election officials and fostering a supportive environment for their work.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The United States is currently experiencing a decline in democracy, with a crumbling election infrastructure and attacks on election officials.

• The conversation around voting focuses on outcomes, but the real challenge is the fundamental infrastructure of the election system.

• There is a need for shared values, standards, and modern technology to ensure fair and trustworthy elections for all voters.