We all saw this year that many questions were raised in Kansas City and St. Louis. Allegations were made of improper compliance with statutory procedures. In some areas, due to long lines or confusion regarding registration, some voters felt that they were unfairly prevented from exercising their right to vote. Yet in other jurisdictions, voters who did not meet the prescribed voting requirements were allowed to vote, sometimes by court order. The appointment of two members from each major political party to these boards was designed to give the voter confidence in the electoral system and to provide an internal check to the system.
Current law provides for the governor a member of one party to appoint all of the commissioners.
Determining the qualifications of the nominees is left up to the governor. The current process has raised many questions about the fairness and makeup of these boards. At a time when voter confidence in the system is at an all time low, it is important that the process appears fair. Bipartisanship must be guaranteed in the process so all voters are confident that their interests are being protected. Truly bipartisan boards of election commissioners are certainly a step in the right direction toward achieving these goals.