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I think that election laws are state issues, so it should be addressed at the state level. Write to state legislators and local media outlets. Also, learn the absentee-ballot laws in your state and whether they can be used if you are at home but unable to get to the polls. I don't like the idea of paying people to vote (potential for buying votes), but a penalty of a civics class for those who don't vote would be great—it might even encourage a more informed voter in the next election.
I really like the dual round of voting idea or instant runoff voting, and vehemently oppose early voting, as early results influence later voters. (Early voting results were published in the 2008 presidential election, and I remember being shocked—that would never have been acceptable in my youth.) I would emphasize a simultaneous 24-hour period for national elections, as suggested by an earlier commenter, as I get angry watching election results from a group of states instantly posted when the polls close—and I'm in New Jersey. I can imagine how disenfranchised Hawai'in voters feel.
More family responsibilities? Actually, as many schools are closed already, a holiday would give families a chance to be together, and for parents to introduce children to the privilege and responsibility of voting, as my nonworking mom was able to do for me in an earlier age (I'm 50+). Then they'd have the luxury of the rest of a free day to spend together relatively stress-free—and if parents don't want to spend more time with as a family, then I wonder why they chose to become one (without meaning to be judgemental, just curious).
I think that it is important to have everyone vote at pretty much the same time, as an important event occurring on a particular day can affect one's thinking, and everyone should be voting based on the same events and available information.
Suggested by Sally Gellert on 08/09/2009 @ 05:22AM PT
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Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.
Suggested by Kristofer Young, DC on 03/17/2009 @ 03:19PM PT
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