The contentious, razor-thin 2000 presidential election, coupled with Florida's electoral debacle and a questionable Supreme Court decision handing the election to President Bush, have focused long overdue attention upon archaic, fragmented voting systems throughout the nation.

Even more troubling is the inescapable conclusion that elected officials and government's inattention to voting systems and procedures reflect a history of subtle contempt for America's voters, while at the same time condemning those who don't vote as being apathetic, complacent or simply cynical.

Article IV, Section 4 of the United States Constitution guarantees a republican form of government to the states. In modern times, with a population approaching 280 million, it should be construed to mean that the states be guaranteed secure, standardized advanced technology voting networks for the people to exercise their sovereignty.

Indeed, modern times have wrought a dominant two-party system, campaign finance abuse, voter fraud, arrogant government, and the betrayal of democracy upon us to such an extent that it's time we have nonpartisan republican forms of government and elections for a change.

And maybe we should have voting networks, without the need for campaign financing, wherein voters could be truthfully informed, select the most qualified candidates, elect professional government managers, rather than professional politicians, and decide matters of taxation and public policy.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
The Direct Democracy Center