Roscoe, NY

To the editor:

Now that the 2024 elections are behind us, it may now be a good time to revisit how American citizens vote in elections. I have written about this issue here before, but there is still discord around the country as to the simple matter of counting votes. It doesn’t have to be that way.

As someone who is lucky enough to own shares of stock in a number of public companies, I am struck by the efficiency and accessibility of the various methods available to shareholders for voting in public companies. Through companies like Computershare, shareholders can vote by mail, online, phone, or in person at shareholder meetings. Moreover, innovative tools such as QR code smartphone voting and even reminders via mobile communications are designed to boost participation - 90 million eligible voters DID NOT vote in the 2024 presidential election - and streamline the process. These methods could serve as a model for reforming voting practices in U.S. elections, both at the state and federal levels.

One of the key challenges in U.S. elections is accessibility. Many citizens face barriers such as limited polling locations, long wait times, or difficulty in understanding the voting process. Corporate voting systems tackle similar challenges with solutions that prioritize convenience. For instance, online voting platforms could be implemented in political elections, allowing voters to cast their ballots securely from the comfort of their homes. Using robust encryption and blockchain technology could enhance security and ensure voter confidence.

Additionally, QR code-enabled smartphone voting is an innovative solution to address mobile accessibility. By scanning a code linked to their valid voter registration, citizens could access a personalized and simplified ballot. This method would not only appeal to younger, tech-savvy voters but could also empower individuals in rural or underserved areas where traditional polling stations are less accessible - like parts of the Catskills.

Moreover, telephone voting, widely used in corporate elections, offers a simple and accessible option for voters who may not have access to the internet or a smartphone. By implementing secure verification protocols, such as a unique voter ID system, this method could be made secure and practical for political elections.

Mail voting, already in use in many states, remains a crucial method for ensuring that voters who prefer or require physical ballots can still participate. Enhancements to the process, such as pre-paid postage and ballot tracking systems (already used in corporate settings), could further increase participation and trust. 

The corporate sector also employs strategies to encourage voting, such as reminders through text messages or email. Integrating similar approaches in political elections could help address low voter turnout. Notifications leading up to Election Day, coupled with accessible voting methods, could ensure that every voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard. And, as mentioned, traditional, Election Day, live voting would still be part of the process. 

Critics may argue that these innovations could compromise security. However, the success of these methods in the corporate world demonstrates that with proper oversight, secure systems can be developed. Political elections could adopt similar technological safeguards, such as multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, to maintain integrity while expanding accessibility.

Adopting these modern voting methods could revolutionize the democratic process in the United States. 

By learning from corporate governance practices, we can create a system that is not only more inclusive, but also more efficient. It is time to bring our electoral system into the 21st century.

What say you, my fellow voters?