What is Electoral Reform?

Electoral reform (sometimes called “democracy reform”) refers to a broad suite of changes in electoral policy aimed at enhancing the fairness, transparency, and effectiveness of the election process.

Some NANR member organizations champion one specific policy area, while others may embrace multiple issues simultaneously. While our members may take different approaches to the work, we are united in the belief that America’s current electoral system is flawed but can be reformed, creating a system that is more accessible, trustworthy, fair, and representative of the American public.

Below is a list of some electoral reforms that our members work on:

• Primary Election Reform (e.g. Top-2 or Top-4 unified primaries)

• Alternative voting methods (e.g. Ranked Choice Voting, Consensus Voting, Approval Voting, etc.)

• Campaign Finance Reform & Transparency (e.g. disclosure requirements, overturning Citizens United, etc.)

• Expanding voting access (e.g. universal vote by mail, expanded early voting, etc.)

• Independent and Third Party Ballot Access

• Redistricting Reform (e.g. independent citizens redistricting commissions)

• Major reforms to the Presidential election system (e.g. National Popular Vote compact)

• Addressing congressional dysfunction (e.g. term limits, lobbying limits, closing the “revolving door” from Congress to lobbyist, etc.)