Louisiana’s election system is structured in a way that too often allows for the manipulation of outcomes through low-turnout runoffs. I refer to these December runoffs as Louisiana’s “Get Right” elections — designed to *correct* the more diverse and representative results often seen in the high-turnout November elections. This practice not only disenfranchises voters but also distorts the democratic process by allowing a select few to dictate the outcome of elections.
Proposed Reforms:
- Limiting Election Calendar Manipulation: I strongly advocate for federal legislation that limits states’ ability to manipulate election calendars, particularly around federal elections. We need to ensure that election dates and procedures are designed to maximize voter participation, not suppress it.
- Making Election Day a Federal Holiday: To further boost voter turnout, I support making Election Day a federal holiday. This change would help remove barriers to voting, allowing more citizens to participate in our democracy without the constraints of work or other obligations.
- Recognizing Low-Turnout Runoffs as Voter Suppression: I propose that low-turnout runoffs be recognized as contemporary voter suppression tactics under the proposed John Lewis Voting Rights Act. By subjecting these runoffs to the Act’s preclearance mechanism, we can ensure that they are scrutinized for their potential to disenfranchise voters. This would help protect the integrity of our elections and ensure that the outcomes truly reflect the will of the people.
The current electoral system in Louisiana is deeply flawed and often works to suppress the voices of ordinary voters in favor of the powerful. By reforming these processes and recognizing the dangers of low-turnout runoffs as a form of voter suppression, we can create a more just and equitable electoral system.