Racing to the Polls: A Comparative Analysis of Election Administration Systems Between the United States and Canada

Authors

Anna Kuhlman, Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law

Abstract

Federal elections in the United States are conducted almost entirely at the state-level with no assistance from an electoral management body. The current federal election administration procedures lead to lower voter participation rates compared to other industrialized nations, specifically when considering Canada. Canadian federal elections are administered entirely through a national electoral management body, and Canadian voters are subjected to uniform procedures throughout the country. On the other hand, American citizens living in different states have significantly different voting experiences. By comparing the legal frameworks governing voter registration in both countries, this article will explore how processes such as automatic voter registration in Canada contrast with more restrictive policies in the U.S. Additionally, the article investigates the role of voter identification laws in each country, analyzing their potential effect on voter turnout. Through this comparative analysis, this article attempts to highlight the ways in which registration and identification procedures influence participation rates and the broader implications for the democratic process in the United States. To ameliorate the failures of the current system, this article proposes that the United States create a federal electoral management body and ensure that states have broad voter registration and identification procedures. If these changes can be added to our current system, it is likely the United States will experience an increase in voter participation.

Recommended Citation

Anna Kuhlman, Case Note, Racing to the Polls: A Comparative Analysis of Election Administration Systems Between the United States and Canada, ILRA Student Forum (2024)