OUR ELECTORAL MESS ?

The protracted claims and counter claims over the integrity of the 2020 presidential election isn't unique or new in our republic. However, the growing perception of increased fraud in the voting process is of concern for millions of Americans of all political stripes. Our nation has historically conducted elections which were the envy of the world. Did  our sterling reputation for fair and free elections slip in 2016 and 2020 ?  

Just in my lifetime, the Truman/Dewey, Kennedy/Nixon and Bush/Gore elections  have been contested over premature headlines, loads of dishonest Chicago votes, and hanging chads in Florida. In recent election cycles the introduction and increased dependence of many new ways to vote and tally votes has taken away the announcement of clear winners within hours or days of voting. Also, with so many state systems controlled by computers, specialized rules and unclear procedures was enough cheating present to actually change a city or state tally ? 

With a huge population stretched over many time zones and between the Atlantic and Pacific, we cannot expect the "good ole days" of quick tabulations and results, but we should have more uniformity. Who gets to vote and how the ballots are counted are important questions which need answers soon. While I dread the federal government dictating a universal set of standards for national election, I do believe state governments should convene and develop a non partisan code for electing everyone from dogcatchers to presidents.

Without term limits and domestic and foreign lobbying money at play, I believe our senate and house of representatives are the last places to find solutions for anything. Their primary missions are the acquisition of personal wealth, more political power and their re elections. Senate and House members have consistently waged political feuds, battles over appropriation rewards, and bucket loads of pandering and unkept promises to we the people. I am over the corruption and self centered nature of national politicians and hope state governments can save the nation. 

A coalition of state governors and legislatures are closer to their constituents and I believe the best place to generate voting reforms. Increasingly, I have more confidence in the bi partisan reform efforts from states than the bureaucrats and politicians in Washington. County, city and state political leaders are closer to the people and more accountable, in my opinion. Recalls of lousy or dishonest leaders is easier at the local than the federal level. 

Our electoral discord is a stain on the sacrifices of every veteran and lawful citizen. It needs a solid and honest fix or we become less than the greatest republic in all of recorded history with a brilliantly conceived national constitution. Look to and demand solutions from local governments and disregard the puffery and pandering from the DC swamp dwellers !