I’ve been following the news about the presidential election more closely over the past few months. It is the longest real life election soap opera filled with – court cases (multiple – both sides), medical emergencies, fighting in front of the proverbial kids, the grandparents (Supreme Court) interjecting, the in-laws and neighbors, Congress, tsking from the side and trying to make their desires known. It makes the presidential scandals of the past look quaint.

Through all of this we fail to talk about the real problems because we can’t name them. A few example: The problem isn’t the Supreme Court being filled with conservatives. The problem is by design that it has so much power and no real accountability or oversight back to the people. It worked well when it self-governed but we’re in an era where self-correction is out the window.

The problem isn’t two Presidents who will not step aside, the problem is we have a system that doesn’t encourage or reward new leadership to emerge. If we look at other governance systems, the US is odd in having two parties so heavily control political outcomes. Again, it worked when it worked but maybe we need to reevaluate.

The problem is we also don’t encourage or incentivize diversity in elected offices.  Everything from who can vote, to gerrymandering, to how expensive it is to run for office plays into the diversity of our electeds. I know someone is going to point out that there are Black and Brown people in [fill in the blank] office, which is great, and we still have a long way to go until we see elected bodies reflective of the populations they serve overall. While there may be diversity, we also need to recognize diversity by itself doesn’t undo racism, or the structures that uphold racism.

The problem isn’t people don’t want to vote. The problem is we don’t want Black and Brown people, poor people, justice involved people, disabled or elderly people, immigrants to vote. People in control make it impossible for them to vote so others can keep control.

Define the problems

We need to clearly define problems with our political system if we want to fix them. If the problem is people aren’t voting, we need to ask why. The first why will uncover a superficial answer – they don’t care, they aren’t registered, they don’t think their vote will count, etc. Digging further is where the meat is – why aren’t they registered, why don’t they think their vote will count. Once you start digging community led solutions will emerge. The path to a solution is clearer when the problem has been clearly defined too.

We have a long few more months before the presidential election is settled. You can help to create a new election system that will drive towards better results. Take 15-min to reach out to someone you know, who may be on the fence about voting and listen to them, help to define the problem and potential solutions.

We need systemic change, but we also need smaller actions. November 2024 will be here soon, so until then the election soap opera continues.  

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