Victoria Bassetti

Victoria Bassetti uses humor and wit to take an irreverent (and nonpartisan) look at voting in America prior to concluding with a prescription for a healthy voting system. This is a companion book to a recent PBS documentary (aired Oct - Nov, 2012 in most major TV markets) of the same title. The documentary and the book provides a number of interesting facts about the unique method of voting for the U.S. President. While the Electoral College has been in place since the founding of our Country, many find themselves confused in trying to explain its origin, reason, and need.

"Electoral Dysfunction" not only discusses the origin of the Electoral College, but also provides a number of other surprising facts about voting in the United States. For example, many may be surprised to read that neither the Constitution nor the Bill of Rights guarantees the right to vote for all citizens. And while most Countries have a National Election process, with everyone following identical rules, the U.S. has 13,000 voting districts, each with its own set of rules, making the role of partisan officials in running elections even more significant.

"Electoral Dysfunction" and the points it raises seems especially relevant following the 2012 election. A new survey conducted by the Penn Schoen Berland National Post-Election poll revealed that the majority of Americans would like to see National Standards implemented for how people vote, including what hours polls are open, who is eligible to vote, and the type of ballot used. And as MacArthur Foundation President Robert Gallucci noted: “On the heels of an election that required some Americans to endure a long line to cast their vote and others to face confusing new requirements, the message from this poll is clear. Our democracy and our electorate deserve better rules and procedures for efficiently administering federal elections.”… (mais)