The original Constitution did not stipulate regulations about elections, leaving that function to the states. In practice, however, the diverse range of state election systems, and the dominant role political parties in primary elections, have rendered the federal election process chaotic, sometimes undemocratic, and often vulnerable to corruption.

There are multiple problems with the hodgepodge of ways each state conducts federal elections. Florida’s hanging chad debacle in 2000 is only one example. Different states secure different levels of security in their election process. The outcome of each state’s federal election, however, effects the entire federal government. Thus, the citizenry of the nation deserve a secure and well regulated election process, so that we can maintain our collective faith in the electoral results.

Some of the questionable practices in various states include: unsecure electronic systems vulnerable to hacking, obstacles to voting intended to suppress the vote of certain populations, poorly regulated systems for recounting or verifying vote totals, and control of the voting process by partisan politicians.

Some of the undemocratic practices of primary federal elections include: a presidential primary schedule that increases the importance of the vote in early states over others; and regulations that emphasize party affiliation, favor dominant political parties, and limit the participation of other party candidates.

WIth FEC management of federal elections the nation’s citizenry could be better assured that elections are conducted with universal standards for security, with universal compliance with federal election regulations, and without preferential treatment of some states over others.

Comments are welcome below. All comments must be respectfully written and not contain misinformation or fallacious reasoning. We welcome thoughtful dialogue of differences.