Opinion Today: ‘It’s like you want to stop people from voting’

This is not an easy watch.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story November 2, 2020 By Adam Westbrook Video Producer America and democracy: two words that go together as naturally as … peanut butter and jelly? I wouldn’t know. I’m a British filmmaker in London working with The Times’s Opinion Video department and I’ve never had a PB & J (besides, we call it jam over here, as God intended). Working for The Times from 3,400 miles away gives me an outsider’s view of the American political story and, it turns out, that is sometimes just what we need. It’s the philosophy behind a series of films we’ve been making. In each episode we gather citizens from around the world and show them the realities of life in America. Many of you told us you were stunned by Europeans revealing the cost of their college tuition and moved by a young South Korean woman who was brought to tears by America’s Covid-19 tragedy. We’re publishing our latest episode this morning, 24 hours before the most important election of our lifetimes. The producers, Brendan Miller and Chai Dingari, tracked down people all over the world and gave them a crash course in the American electoral system. The New York Times It’s not an easy watch. They’re appalled by the amount of money Americans spend on elections, not to mention the sheer inconvenience of voting (most other countries have figured out that you can hold elections on the weekend). While this might seem like an exercise in America-bashing, our goal is to point out that there are better ways of running elections. Ott in Estonia shows us his national ID card that he simply slots into his laptop to cast his vote — it takes him 60 seconds. Hridaya in India tells us she received a home visit from an election official to ensure she was properly registered (not bad in a country of 1.3 billion). And Dan in Australia proudly tells us about the legendary “Democracy Sausage” that has become an essential part of elections — which are also national holidays — down under. “I think Americans should have a Democracy Sausage” he says. “Call it a Democracy Hot Dog if you want. It tastes like representative power.” All the people we interviewed are rooting for you this week — as am I. We’re inspired to see you participate in this outdated and unfair system because you know voting is the only way to change it. So once you’ve voted tomorrow, or even if you already have, treat yourself to a hot dog.     ‘It’s Like You Want to Stop People From Voting’: How U.S. Elections Look Abroad From gerrymandering to voter roll purges, we showed people around the world how the American system works. It didn’t go well. By Chai Dingari, Brendan Miller, Adam Westbrook and Emily Holzknecht Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Forward this newsletter to friends … … to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com Here’s what we’re focusing on today: Editors’ Picks Why Are Republicans So Afraid of Voters? There is no “both sides do it” when it comes to intentionally keeping Americans away from the polls. By The Editorial Board On Politics the conversation It Was Election Day Eve and All Through the House … Everyone was pretty much freaking out. By Gail Collins and Bret Stephens Our Most Dangerous Weeks Are Ahead We are making preparations for the election to descend into bedlam. By Charles M. Blow Hillary Clinton Was Right to Warn Us She grasped the danger posed by the “vast right-wing conspiracy,” Russian interference and Trump. By Jennifer Senior 7 Ways That You Can Save Our Democracy It starts with believing in, and then protecting, our electoral system. By Laura Rosenberger Bartlet for America: A ‘West Wing’ Fantasy OK, it’s a fairy tale, but it’s a fairy tale we should heed on Election Day. By Margaret Renkl Why Waiting for Election Day Is So Agonizing Here’s what you can do about it. By Charlie Warzel Why Iowa Is in Play With Covid-19 and devastating storms, the state needs smart government — and Joe Biden has ideas for governing. By Robert Leonard Sarah Cooper Is Tired of Being Donald Trump The comedian delighted millions with her Trump lip-syncs. After the election, she may be on to her next act. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Ideas A Year of Devastation in Arizona’s Wild Lands Living and working along the U.S.-Mexico border has meant watching the surreal, slow-motion leveling of the fragile ecosystems I’ve spent my career fighting to protect. By Laiken Jordahl What You’re Saying What Does It Mean to Love Your Country? Readers tell us how their faith in the American ideal has fared this election season. By Rachel L. Harris and Lisa Tarchak letters What This Election Means for America Some final thoughts about the candidates and voters’ hopes and fears as Election Day looms. letters Let’s Get Started on Fighting Climate Change Readers suggest concrete ways we can act now. Also: The nonvoter also makes a decision. Contact Us If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. David Leonhardt's newsletter is now the Opinion Today newsletter. You received this email because you signed up for David Leonhardt's newsletter or the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. 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