To the Editor:
Re “Let’s End Minority Rule” (Sunday Review, Oct. 25):
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue for a constitutional amendment to end the Electoral College and rely on the overall popular vote. Ratification of such an amendment is likely to be very difficult.
A lesser step in the same direction would be an amendment requiring each state to divide its electoral vote between the two leading candidates within the state, in proportion to the votes received. For example, with an even split in the popular vote in a state that has five electoral votes, each candidate would receive 2.5 votes.
Preserving some weighting for low-population states while eliminating winner-take-all would be a large improvement over the current system.
Peter Diamond
Lexington, Mass.
The writer is professor emeritus at M.I.T. and a 2010 Nobel laureate in economics.
Reform the N.Y.C. Board of Elections
To the Editor:
Re “Shaky Record for Overseers of City’s Votes” (front page, Oct. 26):
In the last two years, New York State has passed a number of great reforms that have protected and expanded the right to vote, but until we fundamentally reform the way the New York City Board of Elections operates, and is structured, we will never have the elections that New Yorkers deserve.
For decades, the bipartisan structure of the Board of Elections has failed voters. This year, we have seen the severity of these problems. These missteps have further demonstrated the need for a highly professionalized team of election administrators to replace the politically connected patronage hires we currently have overseeing our elections.
As soon as the Legislature reconvenes, we must begin the long-overdue process of reforming our Board of Elections so it is focused on assisting voters, not protecting incumbent politicians.
Betsy Gotbaum
New York
The writer is executive director of Citizens Union and a former New York City public advocate.
To the Editor:
I just want to thank all the polling station volunteers, who despite the deadly pandemic have put themselves in harm’s way to make sure that the lines are managed and that the voting goes smoothly. They have been doing this for hours on end since Saturday and will be doing so right into Tuesday evening.
They need to be put on the honor roll for doing what had to be done during this health crisis.
James Katzenstein
New City, N.Y.