Can and should the federal government force all 50 states to allow straight ticket voting?

[FrodosPet]

People are upset about the GOP getting rid of straight party voting in Michigan. But aren't the reasons for allowing it, and for opposing the repeal, the same nationwide? Why is Michigan getting a black eye over this from people who live in other states that do not allow it either?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. The federal government doesn't control voting procedures.

The federal government dictates who can vote, but each state determines how it's done. Federal elections are administered by state and local governments, but the specifics of how elections are conducted differ between the states. The Constitution and federal statutes grant the states wide latitude in how they manage elections.

[FrodosPet]

4. For every American's vote to count equally

We need a nationwide standard. Universal procedures to protect EVERYONE'S right to vote.

And while we are at it, get rid of the ridiculous "Electoral College" for Presidential elections. My vote should equal your vote should equal his vote should equal her vote.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. I'm not arguing, but that would require a constitutional amendment.

Not gonna happen, I'm afraid.

[etherealtruth]

2. The feds can't ... but it would be nice if all the states did

Here in Michigan the voters like straight ticket voting .... but our right wing nut job overlords are doing everything they can to make sure it is not possible. praying the courts continue to side with the 'people'

[Travis_0004]

3. I don't have a problem if a state doesn't want to allow straight ticket voting

At least where I live, judges don't run under a party, so if there was straight ticket voting, I wonder how many would leave without realizing they forgot to vote for a judge.

I realize straight ticket voting is faster, but if lines are too long, more machines is a valid response to the issue.

I don't think this is an issue the Fed needs to be involved in.

[spyker29]

6. West Virginia eliminated straight party voting after Republicans took over legislature in 2014.

Now, given Trump's popularity here, I hope it works against them. Though I'm not sure it even matters one way or another.

[yeoman6987]

7. No way. It would never get through the courts

[Massacure]

8. Personally I'm not a fan of straight ticket voting

I feel politics would be better off if every candidate were forced to stand or fall on their own ideas and not on the popularity of their affiliated party. I also feel the country would be better off if every voter had to do a little bit of research on the candidates and not vote based on the little (R) or (D) next to their names on the ballot.

[yallerdawg]

9. Since 2000, I don't trust "straight ticket" voting.

Somebody gonna look at my ballot, they're going to see the little oval filled in next to every Democrat!

There'll be no debatin' what I intended!

[CK_John]

10. We are a republic of 50 states and the fed has nothing to say about it.

[Codeine]

11. People can't handle filling in multiple circles?

Much ado about nothing.

[FrodosPet]

12. From the opinion of the original court, not allowing straight ticket voting is racist

http://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000156-9930-d2af-af76-9bb77f150001

The district court concluded that the plaintiffs had demonstrated that PA 268 imposed a
disproportionate effect on African-American voters because the Metzger report “demonstrated
that African-Americans are more likely to use straight-party voting than white voters, and ‘its
elimination will disproportionately affect African-American voters.’” 2016 WL 3922355, at *10
(quoting R. 1-10 (Metzger Report at 1) (Page ID #220)). The district court further found that this
burden was “linked to ‘social and historical conditions’ that have or currently produce
discrimination against members of the protected class,’” citing Gingles factors 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
as relevant. Id. at *13. The district court drew from available news articles and facts from
Metzger’s report that demonstrated that African Americans in Michigan “tend to vote
overwhelmingly for Democrats,” that African Americans “continue to bear the harmful effects of
past discrimination,” and that “[r]ecent political campaigns in Michigan . . . have been marred
with direct and indirect racial appeals.” Id. at *11–13

Why are the citizens of the 40 states which do not allow straight party voting not afforded the same protection of their right to vote in a manner they choose and are comfortable with?

We need 50 state straight-ticket voting.

[Igel]

14. Context is everything.

In this case, abolishing it was racist. There's a difference between "abolishing" and "not permitting."

[muriel_volestrangler]

13. No; while it may be efficient, it's not a 'right' to be enforced

It helps many people voted quickly; and large parties may like it, but the federal state shouldn't be giving them special help.

[linuxman]

15. Straight ticket voting always struck me as grossly irresponsible.