The issue of election reform has reached the House of Representatives.
On July 31, 2014, Congressman John K. Delaney (D-MD) introduced H.R. 5334, the Open Our Democracy Act. This bill would require states to elect their members of the House of Representatives using a top-two, open, non-partisan, blanket primary. It would also require the General Accountability Office to conduct a study looking into national standards for redistricting and make the day of the general election a federal holiday.
This bill has no chance of being debated by any of the committees it has been assigned; Committee on House Administration, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary Committee, let alone passed. I cannot imagine the chairs of those committees scheduling a hearing by the end of the current session. Article I, Section 2of the U.S. Constitution and the 10thAmendment also stand in the way.
That said, what is important is that a member of Congress so strongly believes the institution is broken, he is willing to introduce legislation to reform the election process. Congressman Delaney, if nothing else, has raised the level of visibility of the issue.
As I have pointed out in other posts on this blog; Bipartisan Policy Center Recommendations and Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act Go Hand-In-Hand and Political Divide Highlights Importance of Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act, the toxicity of political debate and the legislative process impacts many aspects of our daily lives. While I appreciate Representative Delaney’s effort and motive, it is up to each state to determine how their respective elections are held. The Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act (NEMRA) is the mechanism for Nevada to influence the national fix.
On September 4, 2014, Nevada proved it is a leader in innovation and forward thinking. Tesla responded. The state can once again demonstrate its commitment to these traits by implementing the most inclusive electoral system in the nation, the Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act.