Preamble

Whereas the integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness of the electoral process are foundational to the functioning of the democratic republic of the United States,
And whereas the current system of elections has been identified as susceptible to undue influence, misrepresentation, and barriers to voter participation,
And whereas reforms to the electoral process are necessary to ensure that the voices of all eligible citizens are heard and that the election of public officials is conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of democracy,
Therefore, let it be enacted that the following reforms to the electoral system of the United States are hereby proposed to safeguard and strengthen our democracy for the benefit of all its citizens.

 

Section I: STAR Voting System

Article 1. National Adoption of STAR Voting System
The STAR Voting System (Score Then Automatic Runoff) shall be adopted for all federal, state, and local elections within the jurisdiction of the United States. Voters shall score each candidate on a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 representing no support and 5 representing maximum support. After all votes are cast, the scores for each candidate will be totaled. The two candidates with the highest total scores will then enter an automatic runoff. In this runoff, each ballot is counted as a vote for the candidate that the voter scored higher. The candidate preferred by more voters in this runoff wins the election. The implementation of the STAR Voting System is intended to capture nuanced voter preferences, reduce the likelihood of strategic voting, and ensure that the winner has broad support across the electorate.

Article 2. STAR Voting System for Primaries
The STAR Voting System may also be implemented in party primaries as a means of simplifying the selection of candidates. In this system, voters will score each candidate from 0 to 5. The two candidates with the highest total scores will then enter an automatic runoff, where the candidate preferred by more voters advances to the general election. This approach ensures that the chosen nominee reflects the broadest possible support across the electorate. Comprehensive and inclusive debates will be encouraged to allow voters to effectively assess all candidates before scoring.

Section II: Multiple Parties Representation

Article 1. Proportional Representation
To ensure fair representation for multiple political parties, the electoral system shall adopt a proportional representation model for legislative elections. Under this model, political parties shall receive a proportion of seats in legislative bodies (federal, state, and local) corresponding to the percentage of votes they receive in elections. This system is designed to prevent the dominance of two major parties and to give smaller parties an equitable chance of winning seats, thereby promoting a more diverse and representative government.

Article 2. Ballot Access Reform
In recognition of the fact that all candidates must undergo psychological evaluation and that campaign expenses are publicly funded and accounted for, the criteria for gaining access to electoral ballots shall be significantly loosened or abolished. Barriers such as filing fees, excessive signature requirements, and other financial or administrative burdens that disproportionately affect independent and third-party candidates shall be removed. Candidates shall be subject only to reasonable eligibility criteria, such as age, residency, and other constitutional requirements. Access to the ballot shall be open to all who meet these standards, ensuring that every candidate has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process, free from financial gatekeeping.

Article 3. Merit-Based Candidate Evaluation and Public Debates

In order to promote the election of candidates based on their merit and positions rather than party affiliation, all candidates for local, state, and national office shall be required to participate in public debates. These debates shall be televised or broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring voters have access to information regarding the candidates’ policy positions and qualifications. For local and state elections, the debates shall be conducted in a manner similar to national debates, providing voters with an opportunity to make informed choices.

Article 4. Retention and Abolition of Straight-Ticket Voting

Recognizing the complexity of local elections, where voters often face numerous candidates for a wide range of positions, straight-ticket voting shall be retained at the local level. However, straight-ticket voting shall be abolished for all state and federal elections, ensuring that voters are required to select candidates based on individual merit and positions for these higher offices.

Section III: Publicly Funded Campaigns and Lobbying Abolition

Article 1. Public Funding of Campaigns

All electoral campaigns for public office, including local, state, and federal levels, shall be funded solely by public resources. This means that campaigns will be financed using taxpayer money, rather than through private donations from wealthy individuals, corporations, or special interest groups. The funding will come from a designated portion of public funds, ensuring that the financial resources used in elections are drawn from the people, for the people.

Each candidate shall receive an equal distribution of public funds allocated by the appropriate level of government, ensuring that no candidate has an unfair financial advantage over another. Public campaign funds shall be strictly regulated and monitored by a non-partisan oversight body (IEA) to ensure transparency, prevent misuse, and protect the integrity of the electoral process. This oversight body will track expenditures to ensure that the funds are being used solely for legitimate campaign purposes.

Candidates are strictly prohibited from receiving or soliciting any private donations or contributions, whether from individuals, corporations, or special interest groups. This prohibition is designed to eliminate the influence of wealth in politics, so that elections are based on the merit of ideas, policies, and leadership, rather than the financial backing of elites. The goal of this provision is to create a level playing field for all candidates, ensuring that public office is accessible to all, regardless of their financial means.

Article 2. Use of Public Campaign Funds
All public campaign funds shall be spent exclusively on campaign-related activities, including but not limited to advertising, travel, staff salaries, and outreach to constituents. The use of these funds shall be regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), in conjunction with the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA), to ensure compliance with campaign finance laws and prevent misuse. Any unauthorized use of campaign funds for personal or non-campaign-related expenses shall result in immediate disqualification from the election and potential legal penalties. Detailed financial records of all campaign expenditures shall be submitted to the FEC and IEA for review, and these records shall be made available to the public.

Article 3. Abolition of Lobbying by Corporations and Special Interests
Lobbying activities by corporations, special interest groups, and other entities with financial or political influence shall be prohibited. This includes all forms of direct or indirect lobbying aimed at influencing legislation, regulations, or government policy. Public officials are further prohibited from accepting gifts, donations, or favors from any entity seeking to influence government actions. Violations of this provision shall result in criminal prosecution and the forfeiture of office.

Article 4. Oversight by the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA)
The Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA) shall be responsible for monitoring all campaign funding, expenditures, and lobbying activities. The IEA shall have full authority to conduct audits, issue fines, and refer violations for prosecution. It shall oversee the disbursement and proper use of public campaign funds and ensure that all lobbying restrictions are strictly enforced. All findings and actions taken by the IEA shall be published in regular reports available to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Section IV: Prohibition of Unfulfillable Political Promises by Candidates and Public Servants

Article 1: Scope and Purpose
This article prohibits public servants and political office candidates at all levels of government from making political promises or statements that are beyond their legal or practical power to fulfill. The goal is to ensure that campaign promises are truthful, realistic, and aligned with the actual authority of the office being sought or held:

    Accountability for Promises: Candidates and public servants must ensure that any political promises or policy commitments they make during their campaigns or while in office fall within the scope of their legal authority and responsibilities.

Article 2: Local-Level Campaign Promises
At the local level, candidates running for offices such as sheriff, mayor, city council, or school board may only make promises directly related to the duties and powers of their office:

    Example of Restriction: A candidate for sheriff cannot promise to implement policies related to border control, taxation, or budget cuts, as these fall outside the jurisdiction of the sheriff's office.

Article 3: State and Federal-Level Campaign Promises
State and federal candidates, including those running for Congress, Senate, or the Presidency, must adhere to the same standard of making promises within the realm of their immediate power and authority:

    Example of Restriction: A presidential candidate cannot make promises to unilaterally legalize a substance such as marijuana unless they have the authority to do so through executive action or specific legislation that is under their direct control.

Article 4: Enforcement and Accountability
Candidates and public servants found to have made unfulfillable promises or policy commitments will face penalties:

    Sanctions for Violations: These penalties can include fines, disqualification from office, or other corrective actions depending on the severity of the violation and its impact on public trust.
    Public Transparency: Any violations or investigations into unfulfilled promises will be made publicly available to ensure transparency and maintain voter confidence in the integrity of the political process.

Section V: Psychological and Cognitive Evaluation Requirement for Candidates

Article 1. Requirement for Psychological and Cognitive Evaluations
All individuals seeking to run for public office at any level—local, state, or federal—shall be required to undergo comprehensive psychological and cognitive evaluations. These evaluations shall be mandatory components of the candidate qualification process and must be completed before the candidate's name is placed on the ballot. The administration and enforcement of these evaluations shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA).

Article 2. IEA Oversight and Administration
The IEA shall be responsible for overseeing the psychological and cognitive evaluation processes. The IEA shall work with certified, independent, non-partisan medical professionals to ensure that all evaluations are conducted impartially and with the highest standards of medical ethics. The IEA shall ensure that all candidates complete the evaluation before the commencement of their campaigns.

Article 3. Scope of the Evaluation
The psychological and cognitive evaluations, as enforced by the IEA, shall assess a candidate's fitness for holding public office, including but not limited to:

Cognitive Functioning

Emotional Stability

Decision-Making Capacity

Ethical Reasoning

Ability to Handle Stress and High-Pressure Situations

Risk of Personality Disorders or Behavioral Issues that could impair the candidate's ability to serve

Cognitive Health: Including assessments of memory, reasoning, attention, and the ability to process information accurately and efficiently. Special focus shall be given to candidates over the age of 65 to ensure mental acuity remains at a level appropriate for public service.

Article 4. Age Limit and Continued Cognitive Testing
Age Limit: No individual over the age of 70 shall be eligible to run for or hold public office at the federal, state, or local levels. This age limit applies universally across all branches of government.

     Continued Cognitive Testing for Officeholders Over 65: Any individual over the age of 65 currently serving in public office shall be required to undergo biennial cognitive testing to ensure continued mental fitness. Failure to pass the cognitive test will result in mandatory retirement from office.

Article 5. Reporting and Confidentiality
The IEA shall ensure that a summary report of the psychological and cognitive evaluations is submitted to the relevant electoral authority, indicating whether the candidate has passed or failed the evaluations. Details of the evaluations shall remain confidential, with only the final determination of fitness disclosed publicly. Candidates who fail the evaluation shall be disqualified from running for office, with the option to appeal through the IEA’s formal review process.

Section VI: Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) with International Advisory Panel

Article 1. Establishment of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC)
An independent, non-partisan body known as the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) shall be established to oversee the redrawing of electoral districts. The IRC shall work in conjunction with the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA) to ensure transparency and fairness in the redistricting process, free from partisan manipulation or gerrymandering.

Article 2. International Advisory Panel
The IRC shall be advised by an International Advisory Panel composed of representatives from nations that house U.S. military bases and nations directly affected by U.S. military presence. These representatives shall serve solely in an advisory capacity, providing external perspectives and guidance, but they shall not have the authority to infringe upon the sovereign rights of the United States. This advisory panel ensures that global standards for fairness are respected while acknowledging the unique geopolitical relationships the United States maintains.

Article 3. Role and Authority of the IRC
The IRC shall have full authority to propose, review, and implement redistricting plans across all levels of government—federal, state, and local. The IRC’s mandate includes drawing districts that respect natural geographic boundaries, ensure population equality, and promote fair representation of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Article 4. Public Participation and Transparency
The IRC shall actively seek public input through hearings, forums, and surveys. The redistricting process shall be fully transparent, with all maps, data, and proposed changes made available to the public. Regular updates on the process shall be published, and the International Advisory Panel shall provide feedback during this process.

Section VII: Election Integrity, Security, and National Holiday

Article 1. Election Security Standards
In order to safeguard the integrity of federal, state, and local elections, uniform standards of election security shall be established and enforced. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the implementation of verifiable paper trails for all votes cast, the deployment of state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures to protect against tampering or interference, and the conduct of mandatory post-election audits to verify the accuracy of election results. Failure to comply with these standards shall render any affected election results null and void, subject to re-election.

Article 2. Election Week Implementation

Election Day shall be expanded into a nationally recognized Election Week, celebrated with festive activities, community events, and widespread engagement. The entire week leading up to the traditional Election Day shall be dedicated to voting, with accessible voting stations, mail-in options, and digital voting methods available nationwide. Throughout Election Week, cities and towns will host street festivities similar to summer festivals, complete with food stalls, fireworks, costumes, community gatherings, and expressions of goodwill. These celebrations shall emphasize the unity of the nation in the democratic process and provide ample opportunity for citizens to cast their ballots in a relaxed and celebratory environment.

Article 3. National Holiday for Election Day
The first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each election year shall be designated as a national holiday, henceforth known as "Election Day." On this day, all public and private sector employers shall be required to give employees the entire day off to participate in voting and celebration. The day will culminate in a grand national parade, held in a different city each year, with fireworks, confetti cannons, and festivities. As the polls close, a countdown similar to New Year’s Eve will mark the live counting of votes, with the final results revealed at midnight. The winning candidate will then give a victory speech on a national stage in the host city. Security will be heightened throughout Election Week to ensure a safe, joyous atmosphere, celebrating the peaceful transfer of power and the democratic spirit of the nation.

Article 4. Secure Voting and Ballot Protection
The voting process during Election Week shall be overseen and secured by the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA) and the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Both agencies shall be responsible for safeguarding all ballots, whether cast in person or via mail, ensuring that no tampering, loss, or premature counting occurs. This security process shall be monitored, and regular reports shall be provided to the public to ensure transparency.

Article 5. Vote Counting Protocol
To prevent the influence of live polling data on voter decisions, the counting of ballots shall not commence until Election Day itself. No results or exit poll data shall be publicly reported or released during Election Week. Ballots shall be securely stored until the start of Election Day, at which point the counting process shall begin, under the supervision of the IEA and FEC. This ensures that the electoral process remains fair and that all votes are counted without premature influence on the electorate.

Section VIII: Voting Rights and Voter Registration

Article 1. Recognition of All Taxpayers’ Right to Vote

In accordance with the fundamental principle of "no taxation without representation," any individual who contributes to the United States federal tax system, irrespective of their citizenship or residency status, shall be afforded full voting rights in all federal, state, and local elections. This enfranchisement acknowledges the indispensable role taxpayers play in sustaining the nation and ensures that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that affect their lives and livelihoods. However, this provision does not extend to foreign diplomats, dignitaries, corporations, or businesses that pay taxes or tariffs as foreign entities conducting transactions with the United States, as their obligations to the country are of a different nature.

This right shall explicitly extend to undocumented immigrants who are productively contributing to the economy by paying taxes, as they are essential participants in the nation's economic system. By allowing them to vote, the United States recognizes their contributions and ensures that their interests and concerns are represented in the democratic process. This policy not only upholds fairness and equity but also strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation by giving a voice to all who actively participate in and contribute to its economy.

Article 2. Voting Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities that prevent them from working shall retain full voting rights, regardless of their ability to contribute economically or pay taxes. This provision ensures that individuals who are unable to work due to disability are not disenfranchised and continue to have a voice in the democratic process. Voting rights shall be granted based on residency and legal status, ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are included in the electoral process.

Article 3. Automatic Voter Registration and Renewal
Automatic voter registration shall be enacted nationwide. Any citizen reaching the age of eighteen (18) years, or any individual completing the naturalization process, shall be automatically registered to vote. Furthermore, voter registration shall be renewed automatically when the individual files their federal tax return, ensuring that all taxpayers remain registered and eligible to vote. This measure shall reinforce Article 1 by linking voter registration directly to tax contributions.

Article 4. Voter Identification and Accessibility
All eligible voters shall be issued a separate, standalone voter identification card, distinct from a driver's license or standard identification card. This voter ID shall be provided free of charge to all eligible citizens and shall be easily accessible, even to those without permanent addresses, including homeless individuals. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shall be responsible for issuing voter identification cards annually, alongside the distribution of tax returns. These voter IDs shall be automatically mailed to all eligible voters, ensuring that the process is inclusive and accessible. The voter identification system shall be designed to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded from the democratic process due to financial or logistical barriers.

Article 5. Voter Registration and Documentation Flexibility
Undocumented immigrants shall not be required to provide traditional documentation, such as birth certificates, to file taxes or register to vote. Alternative forms of identification, including ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers), shall be used to verify eligibility. The IRS shall assist in the process of registering these individuals as eligible voters, ensuring that they are able to fully participate in the democratic process without undue barriers.

Article 6. Voter Registration for Dependents in Single-Income and Head of Household Families

In households where a single income earner or head of household files taxes and claims dependents, all eligible dependents of legal voting age (18 years or older) shall automatically receive voter registration as part of the tax filing process. The IRS shall ensure that dependents are included in voter registration efforts when they are claimed as dependents on the tax filer's return. This provision ensures that dependents, even if they do not file taxes independently, are registered to vote and have full participation in the democratic process.

Article 7. Voter Rights for Specific Demographics

    Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: Voting rights shall be restored to individuals who have completed their sentences, with the exception of those convicted of violent crimes, including but not limited to rape, murder, and crimes involving murder, as well as organized crime, corruption, or abuse of power. Individuals convicted of non-violent offenses shall have full voting rights restored as a means of reintegration into society.

    Transient Individuals: Individuals without a permanent address, including transient or nomadic populations, shall be permitted to use a PO Box, the address of a friend or family member, or other legally recognized mailing addresses for voter registration. These provisions ensure that all eligible individuals, regardless of their living situation, can fully participate in the democratic process.

    College Students and Active Military Personnel: College students shall be permitted to use their dormitory, apartment, or PO Box addresses for voter registration purposes. Active military members stationed away from home shall be able to vote from their bases. Government employees and military personnel shall be automatically registered to vote, as their employment records in government databases are sufficient to establish their eligibility.

    Native American Communities: Indigenous people living on reservations or in Native American communities shall be provided with PO Boxes where needed to facilitate voter registration and participation. Native Americans, who are not required to pay federal taxes, shall have full voting rights without taxation as a prerequisite. All Native Americans will be assigned tax ID numbers and required to file taxes using a special form that verifies their identity and ethnic Native American status. This process will ensure that they do not have to pay any taxes. The IRS will be obligated to return voter ID cards to the address provided on this form, ensuring full inclusion in the democratic process. Assistance from NITA and NACC shall be provided to ensure these communities have the resources needed for full voter participation.

Conclusion

The electoral reforms proposed here are not merely adjustments but are foundational changes necessary to safeguard the democratic integrity of the United States. These measures aim to correct systemic inequities that have undermined the voice of the people for too long. By ensuring that all eligible citizens—regardless of their economic status, residency, or background—are granted fair access to the ballot, we can create a truly representative government. Additionally, by abolishing financial gatekeeping, holding candidates accountable to their promises, and modernizing the voting system, we ensure that the will of the people is reflected in every aspect of governance.

These reforms are designed to strengthen the fabric of our democracy and make the electoral process more transparent, accountable, and fair for all. It is through these changes that we can guarantee a future where the election process upholds the principles of justice, equality, and integrity.

Call to Action:
We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the states to adopt and enact the reforms outlined in this People's Vote Act Amendment to restore fairness, equity, and integrity to the election process. These reforms are essential to ensure that the voices of all eligible citizens are heard, that our democratic institutions remain transparent and accountable, and that future generations inherit a republic that truly reflects the will of the people. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and representative democracy for the benefit of all.