ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the surface of the reforms needed in presidential contests. Many presidential elections produced winners who failed to receive 50% of the vote, such as the elections of 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2016. It would be imprudent not to also mention the ability of outside interests to play a part in campaigning. Some states and the federal government have passed campaign finance laws; most notable among them is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in 2002. Presidential debates are major events in the campaign. Political interest can tackle many of the problems associated with a democratically poor-performing public as well. While automatic voter registration coupled with same-day registration does not solve the problem of everyone voting, or all groups voting at a similar rate, it will increase the number of voices that are expressed in American elections. Having everyone get a PhD in political science is not much of a practical solution, though.
