Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform?
The Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform is a panel of distinguished civic and political leaders co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Dr. Robert Pastor, Director of American University's Center for Democracy and Election Management, serves as Executive Director of the Commission. The twenty-one members of the Commission represent a broad spectrum of the American political experience. View the full list of Commission members.
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What is the purpose of the Commission?
The purpose of the Commission is to study the electoral process in the U.S. and make recommendations for improvements. Commission members will formulate more specific issues for discussion as they hold hearings and confer. Their findings and recommendations will be published in the Commission's report, scheduled for release in September 2005.
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Who is organizing and funding the Commission?
The American University Center for Democracy and Election Management, which educates full-time students and career professionals on the management of elections and best practices in democracy, is organizing the work of the Carter-Baker Commission, in association with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, The Carter Center and Electionline.org. Sponsors include the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Omidyar Nework. Additional assistance is provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts through its support of Electionline.org.
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What is the Commission's schedule?
The Commission held its first hearing on April 18 in Washington, DC, and it held a second hearing on June 30 in Houston, TX. In August, the Commission will meet privately at The Carter Center in Atlanta, GA, to review research and a draft report. The final report is scheduled for release in September 2005.
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How can I submit comments or questions to the Commission?
All questions and comments may be submitted in writing to:
Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform
c/o AU Center for Democracy and Election Management
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW Suite 265
Washington, DC 20016-8026
E-Mail: cdem@american.edu
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How may I volunteer to testify at a Commission hearing?
The Commission is no longer holding hearings. However, staff will make every effort possible to ensure that the Commissioners receive copies of insightful comments submitted in writing (get contact info).
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