While political campaigns are now year-round, few thought that elections might become nonstop, too. So, it's not too early to begin thinking about the next election in 2002 and the presidential race in 2004 and decide what the current electoral gridlock has taught us. While the federal government should not standardize ballots because such prerogatives are reserved for the states by the 10th Amendment, it might be helpful to establish a commission to study ways to make voting less confusing and the tabulation less chaotic.
Many state legislatures vote electronically.
Citizens might do so, too. Whether we use the Internet or phone in our votes using a Social Security or other number specifically assigned for the election, something better than the current patchwork quilt system is clearly needed. Something also needs to be done about the media. Because of the First Amendment, Congress should avoid any legislative remedies for network shortcomings, but shining a national spotlight on the klieg-light industry might help the media better focus. The networks have all pledged to establish panels to look into their election-night coverage and recommend how they can do better.