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Gatekeepers
to the Franchise: Shaping Election Administration in New York
"[Hayduk] explains the importance of the election administration
reform movement in the United States-why it is needed and what effect
it might produce."
—Michael Traugott, University of Michigan
"In the aftermath of Bush v. Gore, and in the wake of election
reforms including new federal legislation, Hayduk addresses an important
issue at the right time."
—Richard L. Hasen, Loyola Law School
The history of democracy in America is the history of the extension
of voting privileges from white male property-owners to blacks,
to women, and to citizens over eighteen years of age. Yet, the number
of United States citizens who actually vote is distressingly low
in comparison with voter turnout in other democratic nations. Barely
half of the eligible electorate vote in presidential elections and
even fewer cast ballots in state and local elections. Poor, minority,
and urban communities report the lowest turnout rates, calling into
question the reality of American democracy.
Who or what is to blame? Among the many suspects, from stealthy
politicians to indifferent citizens, the system of election administration
often goes unrecognized. In fact, public officials charged with
registering voters and operating the polls on election day literally
act as the "gatekeepers to the franchise." By blocking
or facilitating a citizen's ability to vote, they shape democratic
participation.
In this timely study, political scientist Ron Hayduk assesses the
impact that electoral rules, registration procedures, and on-the-ground
operations of New York's state and city election boards have had
upon voters' participation and election outcomes over the past 130
years. This in-depth case study documents the ways in which certain
practices not only disenfranchise eligible individuals but disproportionately
affect low-income and minority groups. It also provides alarming
evidence that the debacle in Florida during the 2000 presidential
election was not unique. Partisanship and the corruption it fosters
have been built into the American system of election administration.
At the same time, however, Hayduk argues that expansive election
practices and efficient administration do encourage registration
and voting. Bringing his research up to the 2004 presidential election,
he evaluates the reforms instituted by the Help America Vote Act.
In the conclusion, he offers a candid discussion of other proposed
measures for ensuring that all citizens can exercise their right
to vote.
Northern
Illinois University Press, 2005
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