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Free and fair elections are a hallmark of American democracy. Routinely, however, voter turnout is low and understanding of the electoral process poor. Local election jurisdictions oversee voting in a highly decentralised and complex effort that more often than not occurs problem-free. In the wake of the 2000 presidential elections, though, the American voting system has come to be re-examined, with emphasis on such areas as voter registration lists, absentee balloting, varied local election standards and equipment, and the questionable necessity and means of determining "voter intent". Congress has begun to explore changes to a more nationally controlled system, having taken up legislation to reform the electoral process. With such intense focus on the nation's democratic cornerstone, this book presents a needed and thorough overview of the process of electing government officials in the United States as well as funding for campaigns.