Determining the course of the country for the next four years has never been so highly debated. As voter registration skyrockets; questions of voter fraud, ballot error and our ability to accurately count votes are more important than ever. What is our right to vote? How can we make sure all votes cast are counted? What is the likelihood the election results will be contested?

• Legal teams on both sides are gearing up in the event of a close election to challenge the results based on polling obstacles, and state and local voter registration and polling practices.

The dramatic snafus of the 2000 election bring the integrity of our election process into the critical eye, coupled with voting machine controversy, charges of voter intimidation at registration sites and the disenfranchisement of millions of ex-felons. An unprecedented number of international voting monitors will be present to observe the elections and record any problems. What will we do with the information we gain from monitors? Can we use this to improve the way we cast and count our votes?

• Over 4 million Americans cannot vote because of ex-felon status - disproportionately African American and Latino men - some of whom may have been convicted of as little as writing a bad check or possessing illegal fireworks.
  
  
• No electronic voting system has been verified secure by the U.S. computer security standards.
  
  
• No entirely secure voting system has been created for the 2.7 million military members, their dependents and the 3.4 million Americans who live overseas.

In spite of voting legislation aimed at increasing access to registration and polls, many obstacles face potential voters. A shrinking number of polling locations, poll volunteer workers charged with working 12-16 hour shifts, and lack of assistance and resources to assure the vote of many visually impaired, illiterate and non-English speaking voters may keep many from casting a vote. Is it any wonder that in 2000, the Harvard Civil Right Project estimated nearly 2 million votes were lost or uncounted?

• In some states, students attempting to register have been hounded by media and officials, in spite of the 1979 Supreme Court ruling giving students the right to vote where they attend school.
  
  
• Long lines, inconvenient hours and poorly located polling stations prevented 1 million voters from reaching the polls. Another 3 million failed to vote due to trouble registering.

This year, both Colorado and California are challenging the election process in very different ways. What are these potential reforms? How will they change the way votes are cast, and counted in future elections?

If our democracy is a model for the world, what is exemplified when votes simply aren't counted? Can electronic voting systems be trusted to yield reliable results? Will the same soldiers fighting for their country be guaranteed as secure vote for a Commander in Chief? What is the history and purpose of the Electoral College? What part will the Electoral College play in the elections? Where can people go if they have trouble at the polls? Are constitutional rights being violated when African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately represented in both prison populations and neighborhoods losing polling places? Which states permanently prohibit ex-felons from voting? Which states allow ex-felons to vote? Is a national standardized voting system the answer?