States Need Comprehensive Election Reform Using Systematic Model Laws
Source: Sharon Bemis. "Here Are Templates States Needs To Pass Secure Election Laws." May 15, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that states need to fix their election systems by using a comprehensive handbook of model laws rather than trying to fix problems one at a time. She claims elections are like interconnected machines where all parts must work together, and current piecemeal reforms aren't enough to restore public trust.
Conclusion
States should adopt the Model Election Laws Handbook to implement comprehensive, interconnected election integrity reforms rather than piecemeal solutions
Premises
- Elections are interconnected systems where voter registration, roll maintenance, ballot tabulation, and certification must all work together
- Current election systems have widespread problems including thousands of duplicate registrations, dead voters on rolls, and registrations linked to vacant properties
- Isolated reform efforts addressing single issues like voting machines or hand-counting are insufficient to fix systemic problems
- The Model Election Laws Handbook provides ready-to-use legislative templates developed by grassroots volunteers and election experts
- The handbook's modular design allows states to adopt complete reforms or targeted provisions customized to their specific needs
- Decades of prioritizing access over integrity have damaged election systems and require comprehensive remediation
- Public trust in elections has declined due to insecure mail-in voting and complex technology, requiring systematic restoration of confidence
Assumptions
- Election integrity problems are primarily due to systemic flaws rather than isolated incidents
- Grassroots volunteers and citizen advocates have accurately identified and documented election system failures
- Legislative solutions can effectively address election integrity concerns
- States have sufficient authority to implement meaningful election reforms despite federal constraints
- Public trust in elections is essential for democratic legitimacy