In 2005, former President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, co-chaired the Commission on Federal Election Reform, which produced a report on the U.S. electoral process and recommendations on maximizing ballot access and election integrity.
Sixteen years later, many of the recommendations remain relevant. The report warned of a “growing skepticism with our electoral system,” and offered proposals to ensure inclusivity in future elections. As we know today, the skepticism continues. Surveys show that only six out of 10 Americans trust the U.S. electoral system in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, their concerns exacerbated by allegations of widespread fraud.
At this event, panelists discussed the balance between ensuring fair access to the polls while also limiting the possibility of election fraud. In addition, they considered possible reforms to reduce the doubt too many Americans now have about the U.S. election process.
This webinar was the first in a series of five virtual events co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Presidential Elections Program and The Carter Center that considers potential reforms for U.S. federal elections. Participants included experts on U.S. election administration, election administrators and other practitioners well-versed in election issues. Follow @BakerInstitute and @CarterCenter on Twitter, and join the conversation with #CarterBakerElection.
Welcome Speakers
David Carroll, Ph.D.
Director, Democracy Program, Carter Center
John Williams
Fellow, Presidential Elections Program, Baker Institute
Panelists
The Honorable Susan Molinari
Former U.S. Representative, 13th District of New York;
Former member, Carter-Baker Commission
Former member, Carter-Baker Commission
Brad Raffensperger
Secretary of State, Georgia Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Secretary of State, New Mexico
Moderator
Doug ChapinDirector of Election Research, Fors Marsh Group;
Former Director of Research, Carter-Baker Commission
