What's Happening?
House Republicans have introduced the 'Make Elections Great Again Act,' a bill aimed at reforming election processes in Alaska and Maine by eliminating ranked choice voting in federal elections. The bill,
introduced by Representative Bryan Steil, seeks to impose stricter voting requirements, including photo ID mandates and citizenship verification for voter registration. Ranked choice voting, currently used in Alaska and Maine, allows voters to rank candidates by preference, which supporters argue ensures majority winners without runoffs. The bill also proposes using auditable paper ballots and prohibits universal vote-by-mail systems.
Why It's Important?
The proposed legislation reflects ongoing efforts by the GOP to reshape voting laws, which they argue will enhance election integrity. Critics, however, view it as an attempt to suppress voter turnout and undermine state autonomy in election management. The bill's focus on eliminating ranked choice voting could significantly impact election outcomes in Alaska and Maine, where the system is currently in place. The debate over this bill highlights the broader national discourse on voting rights and election security, with potential implications for future federal and state elections.
What's Next?
The bill faces an uncertain future in Congress, where it is likely to encounter opposition from Democrats who have previously rejected similar measures. The legislative process will involve debates and potential amendments, with both parties likely to use the bill to rally their bases ahead of upcoming elections. If passed, the bill could lead to legal challenges from states and advocacy groups defending ranked choice voting and state election rights.
