Thread by @crampell

Candidates should compete on ideas, not on how effectively they block their opponents’ voters from casting ballots.

Normally, in a democracy, this goes without saying. washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-…

In the face of brazen voter suppression and manipulation, some broad principles for making our democracy work better.
1. You shouldn’t be able to count the ballots for a race you’re running in. (See: Brian Kemp in GA, Kris Kobach in KS, Jon Husted in OH)
washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-…

All three secretaries of state are currently running for higher office in their respective states. All three are overseeing their own elections. And all three have worked to purge voters from the rolls.

Principle 2: Voting, & voter registration, should be easy.

13 states & DC have approved automatic voter registration. Why doesn’t every state? It’d remove a tool that bad actors use to craft the electorate in their favor. Make Election Day a holiday too. washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-…

Principle 3: Voters should pick their representatives. Representatives should not pick their voters.

SCOTUS appears unlikely to kill gerrymandering. But there’s action at state level, including ballot measures in 4 states today for redistricting reform washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-…

Principle 4: There should be stronger penalties when officials try to rig the system.

Courts are playing whackamole with voter suppression efforts. Laws get struck down & pop back up again. No one faces consequences. Cost-benefit analysis needs to change washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-…

E.g., Congress or state legislatures could pass laws making it easier for state officials to be held liable for monetary damages if they have illegally denied someone right to vote. Right now these officials likely have qualified immunity from such suits washingtonpost.com/opinions/its-t…