The Fragility of Democracy and the Need for Electoral Reform

Democracy is undoubtedly delicate. It relies on the idea that the government should be chosen by its people, which hinges on finding leaders who can be trusted. As America marks its 250th anniversary, this core belief is increasingly challenged by a problematic electoral system that shakes public confidence.

Recently, the U.S. Postal Service disclosed that a postmark doesn’t necessarily guarantee when a letter was mailed, adding to the concerns surrounding Election Day security. However, there is hope with the Supreme Court’s ongoing deliberations in Watson v. RNC. A decision that aligns with many expectations could potentially abolish the period for post-Election Day ballot receipts, leading to quicker election results and a shift away from the reliance on mail-in voting.

Even if the Supreme Court takes steps to enhance the integrity of Election Day, it’s crucial for states to proactively implement more substantial reforms to safeguard our electoral process.

The USPS’s new ruling, effective December 24, 2025, highlights the confusion stemming from widespread mail-in voting—a trend accelerated by the pandemic that now seems to have exceeded its usefulness in many states. The USPS clarified that ballots mailed could lack a postmark from the same day of mailing. This poses significant issues for states that allow ballots arriving after Election Day and base their counting criteria on postmark dates. For instance, in states like Florida and Texas that do not accept late ballots, the postmark change is less relevant. It either arrived by the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, or it hasn’t shown up yet. Yet, states like Nevada, with more lenient legislation about post-Election Day ballots, face a new layer of complications given the change in postmark practices.

The USPS explained that “a postmark on a piece of mail confirms that the postal item was in its possession on the date of the postmark, but the date of the postmark does not inherently or necessarily correspond to when the postal office first acknowledged possession.” This unreliability created by federal guidelines breeds skepticism, delays, and disputes, amplifying the cynicism that erodes faith in the electoral system.

There are numerous issues tied to voting by mail beyond the postmark inconsistencies. Risks include poor storage practices and the potential for fraud stemming from mass mailings—pushing voting protections to their limits. Instances of chaotic polling places in states like Nevada and Pennsylvania have resulted in prolonged vote-counting and fostered suspicions and legal disputes.

In contrast, states that count votes on Election Day tend to deliver results swiftly, transparently, and with less chance for tampering or errors. Voters often go to bed knowing the election outcome, rather than experiencing prolonged uncertainty as mail-in ballots continue to arrive.

There is a strong national consensus on the need for change. Surveys reveal that 95% of Republicans and almost 70% of Democrats favor requiring photo identification for voting to ensure that only eligible citizens participate. President Trump’s Executive Order on Election Integrity, issued in March 2025, lays out specific measures. These measures include requiring photo IDs, sharply limiting mail-in voting, especially for those truly in need (like military members and individuals with disabilities), abolishing grace periods that can cause post-Election Day confusion, and thoroughly updating voter rolls to eliminate duplicates and non-citizens.

Through his latest executive order, Trump is giving states more authority to implement robust measures while emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure mail-in voting procedures and upholding the principle that every vote should come from a verified American citizen.

In a deeply divided Congress, it’s essential that states take charge of election administration. By focusing on reforms that enhance security, expedite processes, and simplify procedures, states can help restore trust in elections and ensure they truly represent the will of the populace.