Electoral Dysfunction

Electoral Dysfunction is an engaging 2012 documentary that takes on the labyrinthine and often perplexing nature of the American electoral system. The film is hosted by Mo Rocca, a well-known humorist, political satirist, and journalist. With a dash of humor, Rocca navigates viewers through the twists and turns of America's voting process. Notable commentators such as Alexander Keyssar, a historian, and Jamie Raskin, a law professor and politician, bring a unique academic perspective to the proceedings.

The film features Rocca embarking on a road trip to understand voting laws and their connection with the history and evolution of democracy in America. As a neutral observer, Rocca guides viewers through a series of investigative discoveries that take place in various locations, highlighting the decentralized nature of the electoral system in the United States. The film uses an informative, creative, and humorous approach to turn these complex aspects of American politics into an entertaining and enlightening spectacle.

While Electoral Dysfunction is entertaining, it also paints a picture of the inherent complications, contradictions, and peculiarities in the American electoral system. This includes the country's adherence to an 18th-century system (Electoral College), gerrymandering, and varying voting regulations from state to state. Such issues contribute to the lack of uniformity in the way elections are conducted across the country, leading to confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding among voters.

The documentary incorporates conversations with politicians, voting officials, historians, and ordinary American citizens to uncover the flaws in the system while also weighing possible reforms. People from various walks of life, including the non-partisan organizations and minority interest groups pushing for change, contribute valuable insights to the documentary’s narrative. This kind of inclusive dialogue builds a comprehensive picture of the American political landscape, extending far beyond the mere mechanics of the voting process.

Characters like Indiana's former Secretary of State Todd Rokita and Constitutional lawyer Akhil Reed Amar come with their unique viewpoints to make the narrative even more interesting, highlighting how the system's design and drawbacks affect those who participate in it, from voters to politicians. Furthermore, the film gives viewers an exclusive look into the insights of political cartoonist Patrick Chappatte, who uses art to comment on the system's absurdities.

Besides historical and current issues, Electoral Dysfunction also explores the constitutional roots of voting rights in the United States. It takes a deep dive into why the Constitution lacks explicit voting rights, how this void impacts the voting atmosphere, and echoes these effects in today’s sociopolitical climate. The documentary also dissects the widespread myth that "Every vote counts," making viewers reflect on the value of their vote.

What sets Electoral Dysfunction apart from other political documentaries is its distinct blend of humor, education, and investigation. Mo Rocca's comedic tone runs as an underlying current throughout the film, making the drier bits of history and politics more palatable for the lay audience. His quirky humor does not overshadow the core narrative, rather it punctuates information-rich sequences, making the documentary both fun and informative at the same time.

Notably, the film is not particularly partisan. It doesn't extol one political party while demonising the other. Instead, it focuses on the structural design of the election process and highlights issues that impact every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation. This objective stance on a polarized topic like voting rights encourages discussion and reasoned conversation.

In conclusion, Electoral Dysfunction delivers a deep, insightful take on the American electoral process, cleverly entwining humor with hard truths about voting in America. Its unbiased perspective on a topic often debated in partisan terms makes the documentary a unique and remarkable watch. The movie is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone interested in gaining a thorough understanding of American politics, voting rights, and the challenges posed by the inherent design in the electoral system.