Deets On The Comprehensive Voting Rights and Electoral Reform Amendment Act
Deets On The Fair Deal
Deets On The Comprehensive Voting Rights and Electoral Reform Amendment Act
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Deets On The Comprehensive Voting Rights and Electoral Reform Amendment Act
Acknowledging the foundational importance of voting rights in a democratic society and recognizing the need to address systemic barriers and inequities in the electoral process, this Amendment seeks to protect and expand voting rights for all citizens. By enacting provisions to undo gerrymandering, overturn Citizens United, abolish the Electoral College, and address historical voting barriers faced by Black communities, this Amendment aims to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and representative democracy in the United States.
Section 1: Protection and Expansion of Voting Rights
1.1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any public election shall be protected and expanded, ensuring equitable access to the ballot box without discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, language proficiency, or socioeconomic status.
1.2. Any law, policy, or practice that results in the denial or abridgment of voting rights, including voter suppression tactics, shall be deemed unconstitutional and subject to legal challenge.
1.3. Measures shall be taken to actively combat voter intimidation, misinformation campaigns, and other tactics aimed at dissuading eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. This includes ensuring the presence of adequate polling places, ballot drop boxes, and voter education initiatives to inform citizens of their voting rights and procedures.
1.4. Efforts shall be made to expand access to voting, including the establishment of automatic voter registration, same-day registration, and mail-in voting options, to facilitate broader participation in the electoral process.
1.5. Provision shall be made for multilingual voting materials and assistance for voters with disabilities to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the voting process, consistent with the principles of democracy and equal representation.
Section 2: Undoing Gerrymandering
2.1. Congressional districts shall be redrawn following each decennial census by independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, with the goal of achieving fair and impartial representation.
2.2. Criteria for redistricting shall prioritize geographic contiguity, compactness, and respect for communities of interest, while prohibiting the use of partisan considerations or demographic manipulation.
2.3. The composition of redistricting commissions shall be diverse and reflective of the demographic makeup of the state, comprising individuals with expertise in demography, geography, law, and community advocacy, who are free from partisan influence or conflicts of interest.
2.4. Transparency and public participation shall be integral to the redistricting process, with opportunities for public input, hearings, and review of proposed maps to ensure accountability and foster public trust in the integrity of the electoral system.
2.5. Any redistricting plan found to be in violation of constitutional or statutory requirements, including those related to racial or partisan gerrymandering, shall be subject to judicial review and remediation to uphold the principles of fair representation and equal voting rights for all citizens.
Section 3: Overturning Citizens United
3.1. Corporate entities shall not be considered persons with constitutional rights, and campaign finance regulations shall be enacted to limit the influence of money in politics and ensure the integrity of elections.
3.2. Congress shall have the authority to regulate campaign contributions, expenditures, and advertising to prevent undue influence and corruption in the electoral process.
3.3. Transparency measures shall be implemented to disclose the sources of campaign funding, including contributions from corporations, organizations, and individuals, providing voters with information necessary to make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable.
3.4. The undue influence of wealthy individuals, corporations, and special interest groups in the political process shall be curtailed through measures such as caps on individual and corporate contributions, prohibitions on political spending by foreign entities, and enforcement mechanisms to penalize violations of campaign finance laws.
Section 4: Abolition of Exception Clause in the 13th Amendment
4.1. The clause "except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted" in the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is hereby abolished.
4.2. The practice of involuntary servitude, including forced labor or exploitation, as a punishment for crime shall be prohibited in all circumstances.
4.3. All individuals, regardless of their criminal history or status, shall be entitled to the full protection of their rights and freedoms under the Constitution, including the right to be free from involuntary servitude or exploitation.
4.4. States shall be required to reform their criminal justice systems to ensure that punishments for crimes are consistent with principles of rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity, rather than perpetuating systems of coerced labor or exploitation.
4.5. Adequate resources shall be allocated to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have been impacted by the legacy of involuntary servitude or exploitation, including access to education, job training, and social services to facilitate successful reentry into society.
4.6. Mechanisms for oversight and accountability shall be established to monitor compliance with the abolition of involuntary servitude and exploitation in the criminal justice system, with penalties for violations and remedies for victims.
Section 5: Qualifications for Vice President
5.1. The Vice President of the United States shall meet the following qualifications:
5.1.1. The Vice President must have won at least one high-profile statewide election, either as a Senator or Governor, in order to demonstrate a proven record of leadership and electoral support at the state level.
5.1.2. The Vice President must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age, and a resident within the United States for at least 14 years prior to assuming office, in accordance with existing constitutional requirements for presidential eligibility.
5.2. The qualification requirements outlined in this section shall apply to all candidates nominated for the office of Vice President by major political parties or independent candidates seeking election to the highest executive offices of the nation.
5.3. The implementation and enforcement of these qualification requirements shall be the responsibility of the appropriate federal and state election authorities, ensuring compliance with constitutional standards and principles of democratic governance.
5.4. Any amendments to the qualification requirements for the office of Vice President shall be subject to the constitutional amendment process, reflecting the will of the people and the evolving needs of the nation.
Section 6: Abolishing the Electoral College
6.1. The President and Vice President of the United States shall be elected by a direct popular vote of the American people, eliminating the Electoral College system.
6.2. The winner of the presidential election shall be determined by the candidate who receives the highest number of votes cast nationwide, ensuring that every vote carries equal weight and reflects the will of the electorate.
6.3. The abolition of the Electoral College shall be enacted through a constitutional amendment, subject to ratification by the requisite number of states, in accordance with the established amendment process outlined in the United States Constitution.
6.4. The implementation of a direct popular vote system shall require the establishment of uniform voting standards, procedures, and oversight mechanisms to safeguard the integrity and fairness of the electoral process across all states and territories.
6.5. Efforts shall be made to educate the public about the rationale for abolishing the Electoral College and the benefits of transitioning to a direct popular vote system, fostering informed civic engagement and support for electoral reform initiatives.
Section 7: Interpretation and Broadening of the 14th Amendment
7.1. The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is hereby clarified and expanded to reaffirm the principles of equal protection, due process, and democratic governance, particularly in response to recent challenges to the integrity of the electoral process and the principles of the rule of law.
7.2. The rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment shall be interpreted and applied expansively to safeguard the integrity of elections, prevent voter suppression and disenfranchisement, and protect the constitutional order from subversion or insurrection.
7.3. The provisions of the 14th Amendment shall apply to all actions and conduct that seek to undermine the democratic process, including but not limited to:
7.3.1. Attempts to overturn or nullify the results of a free and fair election through fraudulent or unconstitutional means, as witnessed in the events of January 6th, 2021, and other similar incidents.
7.3.2. Coordinated efforts to obstruct or impede the counting of electoral votes or the certification of election results, as exemplified by the "green bay sweep" and other instances of political interference in the electoral process.
7.4. State and federal authorities shall be empowered to enforce the provisions of the 14th Amendment, investigate allegations of electoral misconduct or insurrection, and prosecute individuals or entities found to have infringed upon the constitutional rights of citizens or subverted the democratic process.
7.5. The rights and protections guaranteed by the 14th Amendment shall be upheld and defended as essential pillars of democracy, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the ballot box, and that the will of the people is respected and honored in accordance with the rule of law.
7.6. Inclusion of the Executive Branch:
7.6.1. The rights, protections, and oaths afforded by the 14th Amendment shall extend to the Executive Branch of the federal government, including the President and Vice President, in addition to the Congress and the Senate.
7.6.2. Any attempt by the President or Vice President to undermine the democratic process or violate the rights of citizens shall be subject to investigation, accountability, and legal consequences under the provisions of the 14th Amendment.
7.7. Judicial Oversight:
7.7.1. The judicial branch of government shall play a vital role in interpreting and applying the 14th Amendment to ensure its consistent and equitable enforcement across all levels of government and society.
7.7.2. Courts shall have the authority to review and adjudicate cases involving alleged violations of the 14th Amendment, providing remedies and redress to individuals or groups whose rights have been infringed upon or denied by governmental actions or policies.
Section 8: Lowering the Voting Age
8.1. The voting age for all federal, state, and local elections shall be lowered to 16 years old, granting eligible individuals the right to vote in all elections.
8.2. High schools shall be required to provide civic education and voter registration opportunities to students starting from the age of 16, ensuring informed and active participation in the electoral process.
8.3. Comprehensive civics curriculum:
8.3.1. High schools shall incorporate comprehensive civics curriculum into their educational programs, covering topics such as the electoral process, the structure of government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the importance of civic engagement.
8.3.2. Civics education shall emphasize critical thinking skills, media literacy, and the ability to analyze and evaluate political information, empowering students to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
8.4. Voter registration drives:
8.4.1. High schools shall organize voter registration drives and facilitate the voter registration process for eligible students, including providing information on voter eligibility requirements, registration deadlines, and polling locations.
8.4.2. Schools shall collaborate with local election authorities and community organizations to ensure that students have access to voter registration resources and assistance in navigating the registration process.
8.5. Youth engagement initiatives:
8.5.1. High schools shall encourage student participation in youth-led initiatives and organizations focused on civic engagement, voter mobilization, and advocacy for issues affecting young people.
8.5.2. Schools shall support student-led efforts to raise awareness about political issues, organize voter registration events, and promote voter turnout among their peers, fostering a culture of civic responsibility and activism within the student body.
Section 9: Transitioning Voting Centers
9.1. Voting centers shall be transitioned away from religious institutions and relocated to accessible and neutral public facilities, such as post offices and public libraries, by the year 2030.
9.2. States and localities shall develop and implement plans to identify suitable alternative locations for voting centers, prioritizing factors such as proximity to residential areas, public transportation accessibility, and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
9.3. Adequate funding shall be allocated to support the establishment and maintenance of voting centers in post offices and public libraries, ensuring that all voters have equitable access to polling places regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs.
9.4. Public education campaigns shall be conducted to inform voters about the transition of voting centers and the availability of new polling locations, facilitating a smooth and seamless transition process.
9.5. Voting Access for School Communities:
9.5.1. High schools shall serve as designated voting centers during elections, where eligible individuals within the school community shall be able to cast their ballots.
9.5.2. Eligible voters within the school community shall include students of voting age, parents or legal guardians of students, teachers, administrators, and staff members.
9.5.3. Parents or legal guardians of students, teachers, administrators, and staff members shall also have the option to vote at other schools within the district where their children are not enrolled, ensuring flexibility and convenience in the voting process.
9.5.4. Voting procedures at high schools and other designated school voting centers shall be conducted in accordance with applicable election laws and regulations, with appropriate accommodations made for school schedules and activities.
9.6. Accessibility Measures:
9.6.1. Voting centers at post offices, public libraries, and high schools shall be equipped with accessible voting machines, ballot-marking devices, and other assistive technologies to ensure full accessibility for voters with disabilities.
9.6.2. States and localities shall implement training programs for poll workers to familiarize them with accessibility requirements and ensure that voters with disabilities receive the assistance they need to participate in the electoral process independently and confidentially.
Section 10: Transition to Online Voting
10.1. Online voting access shall be established as a fundamental right for all eligible voters by the year 2035.
10.2. The federal government shall allocate resources and provide technical assistance to states and localities to facilitate the secure and accessible implementation of online voting systems.
10.3. Robust cybersecurity measures and safeguards shall be put in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of online voting systems, including encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.
10.4. Accessibility considerations shall be integrated into the design and implementation of online voting systems to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the voting process, including compatibility with screen readers, alternative input methods, and other assistive technologies.
10.5. Public education and outreach campaigns shall be conducted to inform voters about the availability and procedures for online voting, addressing concerns about security, privacy, and accessibility, and promoting confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
Section 11: Enhanced Protections for Underserved Groups
11.1. Native American tribes shall have the authority to establish and operate polling places, voter registration sites, and ballot drop-off locations on tribal lands, ensuring equitable access to voting for tribal members. Tribal sovereignty and self-determination shall be respected in all aspects of election administration within tribal jurisdictions.
11.2. States and localities shall be required to provide accessible polling places and voting materials for individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to wheelchair ramps, Braille ballots, audio voting machines, and sign language interpreters. Polling locations shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and be equipped to accommodate voters with diverse needs.
11.3. Language assistance shall be provided to voters with limited English proficiency, including the provision of bilingual election materials, interpreters, and language assistance hotlines. States and localities with significant populations of non-English speakers shall develop language access plans to ensure that all eligible voters can fully participate in the electoral process without language barriers.
Section 12: Remedying Historical Voting Barriers Faced by Black Communities
12.1. Measures shall be implemented to address historical and systemic barriers that have disenfranchised Black communities, including but not limited to voter suppression tactics, discriminatory voter ID laws, and unequal access to polling places. These measures shall include community outreach programs, education campaigns, and the allocation of resources to ensure equitable access to voting for all citizens.
12.2. Voting rights protections shall be strengthened for communities of color, including the restoration of the full provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which includes Section 4(b) preclearance requirements. This will require federal oversight of changes to voting laws and procedures in states with a history of voting discrimination, ensuring that any proposed changes do not disproportionately impact minority voters. Additionally, efforts shall be made to close loopholes and prevent the implementation of discriminatory practices that undermine the voting rights of Black communities and other marginalized groups.
Section 13: Implementation and Enforcement
13.1. The Department of Justice shall be empowered to enforce the provisions of this Amendment and investigate allegations of voting rights violations or electoral misconduct. This includes conducting thorough investigations into any reported instances of voter suppression, gerrymandering, or other actions that may undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
13.2. Civil and criminal penalties shall be imposed on individuals or entities found to have violated voting rights, engaged in gerrymandering, or attempted to undermine the integrity of elections. These penalties may include fines, injunctions, or other legal remedies deemed appropriate by the courts. Additionally, criminal prosecutions may be pursued against individuals who intentionally disenfranchise voters or manipulate electoral outcomes through illegal means.
Section 14: Sunset Clause
14.1. This Comprehensive Voting Rights and Electoral Reform Amendment Act shall remain in effect indefinitely unless repealed or amended by subsequent constitutional measures. The provisions of this amendment shall continue to uphold and safeguard voting rights and electoral integrity for future generations, ensuring that the principles of democracy and equal representation endure as fundamental pillars of the nation's governance.
Conclusion
This Comprehensive Voting Rights and Electoral Reform Amendment Act represents a landmark effort to safeguard democracy, promote fairness and equity in the electoral process, and empower all citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote. By incorporating provisions to lower the voting age, transition to online voting, and enhance protections for underserved groups, this Amendment reaffirms the principles of equality, fairness, and inclusivity in American democracy. By enacting provisions to address gerrymandering, overturn Citizens United, abolish the Electoral College, and remedy historical voting barriers faced by Black communities, this Amendment seeks to uphold the principles of equality, representation, and justice in American democracy.
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Deets On the 13th Amendment (Coming Soon)
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I am neither a lawyer nor a financial advisor and this document does not constitute legal or financial advice.
This proposal is a thought exercise and is no guarantee of either product or service.