Get the candidates to answer the same set of questions, and post the responses on large bulletin boards at the entrance to the polling booths. We may know the policy difference between a Bush and a Gore, but I suspect that the vast majority of voters have no understanding whatsoever of the policy differences between candidates for the position of tax commissioner. In fact, they probably don't even know the names of the candidates. For example, local retailers could offer an additional 10 percent off with proof of voting. Incidentally, in Britain and Australia, they really put teeth into the offer.
Voting is mandatory.
Failure to do so results in a fine or a prison term. It kills the mystery and, God forbid, we have little as it is now that the candidates are all playing to the center. To add insult to injury, the poll results are quite often wrong, as was evidenced in the Florida debacle. The networks are destroying the process. Ultimately, we need to go to Internet voting.