Ugh. This is so disconcerting. Whether we like it or not, the representatives we elect into office have a profound impact on domestic and world affairs. Election day(s) should be a civic holiday... or at least a paid half-day (with proof of having voted)... so more people can make it to the polls.

We really do need election reform on many levels: making it easier for people to get out and vote (holiday and same-day registration); making sure the voting is secure and verifiable (ixnay on these proprietary electronic voting machines); and strengthening the power of the ballot (instant runoff voting sounds like a perfectly good idea to me).

Perhaps we may write our congresspersons and suggest as much. I'm doing so.