I’ve voted in 3 states so far. Philadelphia and Memphis have similar systems with early voting options and polling on election day itself. In my lifetime, the only information I was given about candidates or policies came from yard signs and partisan TV commercials. The onus is on the voter to educate themselves for the most part. The first time I voted I was amazed to find out how much shit is on the ballot no one even mentions. Amendments, propositions, initiatives, advisories and so many judges. Studying for the SATs is easier. 

In Seattle they not only mail me my official ballot in October but allow me to submit it for the cost of one postage stamp. I was also issued two informative booklets that covered all the candidates and issues proposed on the ballot. There’s even a cheat sheet in The Stranger for people that want to sheep their way through it. That’s a personal choice, imho. It’s almost like WA state wants to encourage voting. Compared to my previous experiences this level of accessibility is astounding. Makes me wonder why it can’t be this easy everywhere?

Even with early voting, the hassle of finding a location – usually a church – and waiting in line there is on par with visiting the DMV. Simple to do but still a pain in the ass. Not to mention all the citizens with day jobs, families and other obligations that take priority over getting out to vote. Why does a working mother need to find 2 hours of free time to exercise her civic duty? Are we still going to pretend voter fraud is an issue? Anyone with a permanent address that pays their bills on time should be considered responsible enough to not actively circumvent the (so-called) democratic process. They clearly have something to lose, which is usually impetus enough to behave.

Personally, I’m expecting the 2028 election to be completed via mobile apps. Of course, by then we’ll have government issued social security phone numbers and the bitcoin economy will have collapsed most traditional currency. Hopefully the presidential race will finally be treated like the reality show it has become and we’ll get to see the political factions form teams and compete in weekly challenges a la Survivor. Imagine Hillary and Donald racing in a international diplomacy obstacle course so they can earn an extra interruption point during the Tribal Council of Secretaries debate at the end of the episode. I’d watch that.