Election integrity starts with systems people can see, trust, and understand. That means 100 percent paper ballots and in-precinct voting as the standard, so every vote is verifiable and counted transparently. Making Election Day a national holiday ensures working people are not forced to choose between a paycheck and their right to vote. Democracy only works when participation is practical, accessible, and protected from both suppression and manipulation.

Civic participation should also be treated as a shared responsibility. Many democracies around the world use forms of mandatory voting, often with only a small fine for non-participation, and consistently see higher turnout and stronger public trust in elections. The goal is not punishment, but participation. At the same time, mail-in voting should remain available for students, people with disabilities, and Americans living or serving overseas, ensuring access without weakening the integrity of the system.