
TED Talks Daily An election system that puts voters (not politicians) first | Amber McReynolds
Mar 25, 2021
Amber McReynolds, a voting rights expert and democracy entrepreneur, dives into the complexities of voting in the U.S. She highlights systemic issues like long lines and confusing registration policies that hinder participation. McReynolds advocates for a redesigned election system that prioritizes accessibility and voter needs. She shares successful examples from Colorado that improved convenience and security, inspiring other states to adopt similar reforms that can enhance civic engagement and empower voters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Voter Suppression
- Voting in the US is unnecessarily difficult, hindering the core principle of democracy.
- This isn't accidental; established politicians often benefit from this complexity.
Decentralized Voting System
- The US voting system is extremely decentralized, varying widely across states.
- Over 10,000 local officials and 50 state legislatures contribute to this inconsistency.
Colorado vs. Missouri
- Colorado automatically mails ballots, simplifying voting.
- Missouri has restrictive deadlines, making voting harder.



