Watch Electoral Dysfunction

Electoral Dysfunction is a documentary film that explores the peculiarities and problems of the American voting system. Directed by David Deschamps and Leslie D. Farrell, the movie features interviews with experts, historical footage, and a humorous approach to civic engagement. The main host and narrator of the film is Mo Rocca, a comedian and correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning. He takes the viewers on a journey across the United States, visiting various states and communities to unveil the idiosyncrasies and controversies of the voting process.

One of the film's main arguments is that the American voting system is far from perfect and often plagued by obstacles and barriers that prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote. The documentary shows examples of voter suppression, gerrymandering, outdated equipment, and confusing regulations that make it harder for some people to participate in elections.

To illustrate the complexity of the voting process, Electoral Dysfunction features interviews with political scientists and scholars, such as Alexander Keyssar, a professor of history and social policy at Harvard, and Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law professor at American University and a former Congressman. They provide context and analysis for the different aspects of the voting system, from the origins of the Electoral College to the latest controversies over voter ID laws.

The film also visits grassroots organizations and individuals who are trying to make the electoral system more accessible and inclusive, such as a group of young people in North Carolina who organize voter registration drives and a Native American tribe in South Dakota fighting for equal representation.

One of the strengths of Electoral Dysfunction is its ability to present complex issues in a clear and entertaining way. The filmmakers use animation, archival footage, and witty commentary to help the audience understand how the system works and why it sometimes fails. For instance, they explain the concept of "spoiler candidates" by using a hilariously awkward reenactment of a first date gone wrong.

At times, the film veers into the realm of advocacy, encouraging viewers to get involved and demand reforms to improve the voting system. However, it does not take a partisan stance, as it shows examples of problems affecting voters across the political spectrum. The documentary sheds light on issues that are often overlooked or taken for granted, such as the lack of infrastructure for people with disabilities or the confusing language of ballot initiatives.

Throughout the movie, Mo Rocca serves as a likable and relatable guide, injecting humor and self-deprecation into the serious topic of civic participation. He acknowledges his own ignorance and biases, as well as the challenges of engaging people who are disillusioned or alienated from the political process.

Overall, Electoral Dysfunction is an informative and engaging documentary that tackles an important topic with intelligence and levity. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in democracy, civic engagement, or the history and politics of the United States.

Electoral Dysfunction is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 42.