C O N T E N T S :

Update » No Paper, No Trail: An Open Invitation to Electoral Fraud

Introduction

A Vote That Counts

2002 Elections Underscore Imperative of Major Reform

Libertarian Solutions for Revitalizing Our Democracy

Spoiled? Ralph Nader and Voting Patterns in 2000

Post-Democracy: The Dystopian Future of Our Winner-Take-All Politics

Voter Turnout: How To Hit 90% by 2010

Vote, Organize, Vote, and Win - For a Progressive Society

SPECIAL: G&G Wellness

How and why do Americans vote? Why do so many choose not to vote? And if low voter turnout constitutes an emergency, how can we improve our elections? Join us as the first issue of Garlic & Grass examines the hitches and highlights of America's electoral democracy. Should we be proud that we – as opposed to so many other nations – are a full-fledged 'democracy'? FULL STORY

U P D A T E:

No Paper, No Trail:
An Open Invitation to Electoral Fraud
Florida's 2002 attempt to 'fix' its electoral difficulties appears to have exacerbated the problem – and been whitewashed by politicians...
by Bruce F. Cole

1. Introduction
   Welcome to G&G's first issue! We examine voting and the infrastructure of our democracy...
2. A Vote That Counts
   Imagine voting like a German – with your beliefs...
   by Sven Eberlein
3. 2002 Elections Underscore Imperative of Major Reform
   A review of the midterm elections and their woefully undemocratic nature. A call for real, sensible change...
   by Rob Richie & Steven Hill
4. Libertarian Solutions for Revitalizing Our Democracy
   More competition, less regulation. More liberty, less apathy. It works for business, and it can work for democracy...
   by Jonathan Trager
5. Spoiled? Ralph Nader and the Fateful 2000 Election
   A detailed look at the Nader debate, Gore's loss, and the relevant numbers, facts, and fiction. Was the election spoiled – or squandered?
   by Manning Marable
6. Post-Democracy:
   The Dystopian Future of Our Winner-Take-All Politics
   Let's say we choose not to make any changes in our democracy. Let's fast forward to Election Day 2011...
   by Steven Hill
7. Voter Turnout: How To Hit 90% by 2010
   Four bold but sensible steps. Quick, simple, and straightforward. It could happen more easily than you might think...
   by Tony Brasunas
8. Vote, Organize, Vote, and Win – To Create a Progressive Society
   With unity and determination, the election booth can be the route a better world...
   by Rob Arnow & Paul Platt
9. Special - Garlic & Grass Wellness
   Vote from the Soul
   I love voting. I do it as often as I'm legally allowed. The raw power, that electric charge, that comes from speaking the truth has never failed to thrill me...
   by Tony Brasunas

R E S O U R C E S:

More Information
A handy glossary defining the important terms in the electoral reform movement: IRV, PR, Winner-take-all, Public Financing, etc.

Also, a list of websites with much more information useful for an examination of the state of American – and global – democracy.