Establishing Public Confidence in the Electoral Process

Abstract

Americans have many reasons for fundamental confidence in their electoral processes, including the steady spread of suffrage, improvements in the administration of voter registration and of elections, and the responsiveness of elected officials to constituent interests. Yet the sources, uses, and regulation of money in nomination and election processes have often proved corrupt. They have fallen short of the high standards used in judging them and led to cynicism and contempt. Attempts at reform have been ob structed by many barriers during the last century, but the 1970s see basic changes in the context in which campaign reg ulation is undertaken, signaling hope ahead. During the past five years 44 states, and the federal government on two occasions, have enacted major legislative changes. Diffi culties and unmet ideals abound, but the nation has entered a new era of effort and promise.