I have always believed that the best way we can protect democracy as Democrats is to expand democracy.

I support a Constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. Every American citizen should have that right clearly protected, and we should modify the 26th Amendment to make it explicit: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State.” We can do this simply by removing the phrase “on account of age.”

I believe every state should use one of two modern voting systems: Ranked Choice Voting or Scored Voting. Each has its own advantages, but both are more representative than our current system. By adopting Ranked Choice or Scored Voting, we can give voters more real choices, including third-party and Independent candidates, without “wasting” their vote.

Election Day should become Election Month and Election Weekend. Every state should offer early voting throughout November, culminating in an Election Weekend held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Special elections and primaries outside November should be limited to three standardized weekends each year: Presidents Day weekend, the weekend seven days before Memorial Day, or the weekend after Labor Day. By standardizing the calendar, we can boost turnout in primaries, special elections, and other off-cycle races.

One of the most historically progressive states in America might surprise people: South Dakota, where much of my family is from. South Dakota pioneered citizen initiatives, allowing people—not politicians—to change laws and even the state constitution through direct vote. We are unlikely ever to hold a federal Constitutional Convention, and given how unclear that process is, that may be for the best. But we cannot keep waiting for politicians at every level to make needed changes. I support the right of citizens to gather signatures and place public referenda on the ballot on issues of public importance. Direct democracy is one of the best tools we have to restore faith in our institutions and give people a real voice in their government.