"♪ Oh,I alreadyknowaboutyour  candidate." "Oh,I alreadyknowaboutyour  candidate." "I know all the candidates." "candidate." "I know all the candidates." "I'm even voting for comptroller." "I know all the candidates." "I'm even voting for comptroller." "Wow,she'sgood." "I'm even voting for comptroller." "Wow,she'sgood." "Getmystickerready,George." "Wow,she'sgood." "Getmystickerready,George." "I'm coming for it." "Getmystickerready,George." "I'm coming for it." "Hi,Ms.Reem." "I'm coming for it." "Hi,Ms.Reem." "Hi,Marie." "Hi,Ms.Reem." "Hi,Marie." "Whoareyouvotingfor?" "Hi,Marie." "Whoareyouvotingfor?" "Oh,wouldn'tyoulike" "Whoareyouvotingfor?" "Oh,wouldn'tyoulike to know." "Oh,wouldn'tyoulike to know." "You'resolucky!" "to know." "You'resolucky!" "I have to wait six years" "You'resolucky!" "I have to wait six years to vote." "I have to wait six years to vote." "Well,that'ssoonerthan to vote." "Well,that'ssoonerthan you think." "Well,that'ssoonerthan you think." "The great thing about America you think." "The great thing about America is, is when your day comes," "The great thing about America is, is when your day comes, your vote will count just as is, is when your day comes, your vote will count just as much as everybody else." "your vote will count just as much as everybody else." "Huh." "much as everybody else." "Huh." "Okay." "Huh." "Okay." "Actually..." "Okay." "Actually..." "Aah!" "Actually..." "Aah!" "Somevotescountway more" "Aah!" "Somevotescountway more than others." "Somevotescountway more than others." "Oh,murderer!" "than others." "Oh,murderer!" "Aah,God!" "Oh,murderer!" "Aah,God!" "I'm not a murderer!" "Aah,God!" "I'm not a murderer!" "I'm an Adam Conover!" "I'm not a murderer!" "I'm an Adam Conover!" "Oh!" "And this is" "I'm an Adam Conover!" "Oh!" "And this is "Adam Ruins Everything."" "Oh!" "And this is "Adam Ruins Everything." Oh!" ""Adam Ruins Everything." Oh!" "♪" "Oh!" "♪ (flame roaring)" "♪ (flame roaring) (ding-ding)" "Closed Captions Provided by truTV" "Oh,jeez,Igottastop  surprising people." "I waste so much milk." "surprising people." "I waste so much milk." "Mr.Conover,I'mtrying" "I waste so much milk." "Mr.Conover,I'mtrying to vote." "Mr.Conover,I'mtrying to vote." "The voting booth is a sacred to vote." "The voting booth is a sacred space, now get out of here!" "The voting booth is a sacred space, now get out of here!" "Actually,despiteourbest space, now get out of here!" "Actually,despiteourbest intentions, our system is way" "Actually,despiteourbest intentions, our system is way less democratic than we think." "intentions, our system is way less democratic than we think." "Thatisnottrue." "less democratic than we think." "Thatisnottrue." "I love our democracy." "Thatisnottrue." "I love our democracy." "SodoI, butithassomeroom" "I love our democracy." "SodoI, butithassomeroom for improvement." "SodoI, butithassomeroom for improvement." "You want me to show you?" "for improvement." "You want me to show you?" "Eh,goahead,kiddo." "You want me to show you?" "Eh,goahead,kiddo." "Okay!" "Ah." "Eh,goahead,kiddo." "Okay!" "Ah." "This is a map of America." "Okay!" "Ah." "This is a map of America." "Isit?" "This is a map of America." "Isit?" "It looks like a dying turkey." "Isit?" "It looks like a dying turkey." "Ugh,yeah." "It looks like a dying turkey." "Ugh,yeah." "I have poor fine motor skills." "Ugh,yeah." "I have poor fine motor skills." "Here,giveme that." "I have poor fine motor skills." "Here,giveme that." "Oh." "Here,giveme that." "Oh." "Iteachdrawingatthe" "Oh." "Iteachdrawingatthe learning annex." "Iteachdrawingatthe learning annex." "Hmm." "learning annex." "Hmm." "Mm-hmm." "Hmm." "Mm-hmm." "Wow,thankyou,Donna." "Mm-hmm." "Wow,thankyou,Donna." "Now, so, every four years, we" "Wow,thankyou,Donna." "Now, so, every four years, we hear the words "electoral" "Now, so, every four years, we hear the words "electoral college" over and over again." "hear the words "electoral college" over and over again." "But, we never talk about what college" over and over again." "But, we never talk about what a ridiculous and, frankly," "But, we never talk about what a ridiculous and, frankly, undemocratic system it a ridiculous and, frankly, undemocratic system it really is." "undemocratic system it really is." "The electoral college gives really is." "The electoral college gives vastly more power to different" "The electoral college gives vastly more power to different voters, depending on which state vastly more power to different voters, depending on which state they live in." "voters, depending on which state they live in." "Biggerstates?" "they live in." "Biggerstates?" "Nope,smallerstates." "Biggerstates?" "Nope,smallerstates." "If your state has less people," "Nope,smallerstates." "If your state has less people, you have more power." "If your state has less people, you have more power." "Not too many people live in you have more power." "Not too many people live in Wyoming, but they have three electoral votes, or one for every 135,000 voters." "every 135,000 voters." "California is packed with" "California is packed with people, but they have 55 people, but they have 55 electoral votes, or one for electoral votes, or one for every 411,000 voters." "every 411,000 voters." "And that's totally out of" "And that's totally out of proportion, because it means it proportion, because it means it takes three times as many takes three times as many Californians to earn one" "Californians to earn one electoral vote, giving voters in electoral vote, giving voters in Wyoming three times the power in" "Wyoming three times the power in the electoral college." "the electoral college." "As a result of this system, your" "As a result of this system, your vote could count for less just vote could count for less just because of where you live." "Infographics rule, right?" "Yeah,well,it doesseem unfair, but who cares if the" "Yeah,well,it doesseem unfair, but who cares if the electoral college is kooky?" "unfair, but who cares if the electoral college is kooky?" "I'm kooky." "electoral college is kooky?" "I'm kooky." "I have two turtles." "I'm kooky." "I have two turtles." "Okay,well,it getsworse," "I have two turtles." "Okay,well,it getsworse, because the electoral college" "Okay,well,it getsworse, because the electoral college also creates swing states." "because the electoral college also creates swing states." "Oh,I lovetheswingstates!" "also creates swing states." "Oh,I lovetheswingstates!" "They make election night so" "Oh,I lovetheswingstates!" "They make election night so exciting, kind of like when my" "They make election night so exciting, kind of like when my turtles move a little." "exciting, kind of like when my turtles move a little." "Wha" "Exciting?" "turtles move a little." "Wha" "Exciting?" "I think the fact that the entire" "Wha" "Exciting?" "I think the fact that the entire election is determined by just" "I think the fact that the entire election is determined by just a handful of states is really election is determined by just a handful of states is really messed up." "a handful of states is really messed up." "For one thing, it means messed up." "For one thing, it means presidential candidates can" "For one thing, it means presidential candidates can ignore almost the entire presidential candidates can ignore almost the entire country." "ignore almost the entire country." "Hello, America." "country." "Hello, America." "I'm Adam Conover, and I'm" "Hello, America." "I'm Adam Conover, and I'm running for president of" "I'm Adam Conover, and I'm running for president of Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio." "running for president of Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio." "And, boy, do I love Florida" "Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio." "And, boy, do I love Florida oranges, Philadelphia" "And, boy, do I love Florida oranges, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, and whatever you oranges, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, and whatever you people like in Ohio." "cheesesteaks, and whatever you people like in Ohio." "Eh." "people like in Ohio." "Eh." "The rest of the country can go suck a big one." "PeopleinOhiolike" "LeBron James." "Who?" "I don't know many actors." "Who?" "I don't know many actors." "Anyway, swing states have so" "I don't know many actors." "Anyway, swing states have so much power that in recent" "Anyway, swing states have so much power that in recent elections, up to 80% of all the much power that in recent elections, up to 80% of all the votes cast in America had no elections, up to 80% of all the votes cast in America had no impact on the outcome." "votes cast in America had no impact on the outcome." "That includes your vote here in impact on the outcome." "That includes your vote here in California." "That includes your vote here in California." "Well,somestatesare red" "California." "Well,somestatesare red  states, and some states are blue" "Well,somestatesare red  states, and some states are blue states." "states, and some states are blue states." "That's the way America is." "states." "That's the way America is." "Actually,moststatesare" "That's the way America is." "Actually,moststatesare  pretty purple." "Actually,moststatesare  pretty purple." "♪ pretty purple." "♪ In 2012, over 3 million Texans" "♪ In 2012, over 3 million Texans voted Democrat." "In 2012, over 3 million Texans voted Democrat." "Ilovebarbecue,Blake voted Democrat." "Ilovebarbecue,Blake Shelton, and abortions, y'all." "Ilovebarbecue,Blake Shelton, and abortions, y'all." "Andalmost5million" "Shelton, and abortions, y'all." "Andalmost5million Californians voted Republican." "Andalmost5million Californians voted Republican." "Surf'sup,y'all." "Californians voted Republican." "Surf'sup,y'all." "You know what else needs to" "Surf'sup,y'all." "You know what else needs to go up?" "You know what else needs to go up?" "Border wall with Mexico, dude." "go up?" "Border wall with Mexico, dude." "(chuckling)" "Border wall with Mexico, dude." "(chuckling) Ifelectoralvoteswere" "(chuckling) Ifelectoralvoteswere awarded proportionately," "Ifelectoralvoteswere awarded proportionately, in 2012, 16 of Texas's electoral awarded proportionately, in 2012, 16 of Texas's electoral votes would have gone to Obama, in 2012, 16 of Texas's electoral votes would have gone to Obama, and 20 of California's would" "votes would have gone to Obama, and 20 of California's would have gone to Romney." "and 20 of California's would have gone to Romney." "But in our winner-take-all have gone to Romney." "But in our winner-take-all system, anyone who wants to vote" "But in our winner-take-all system, anyone who wants to vote for their state's losing party system, anyone who wants to vote for their state's losing party might as well just stay home." "for their state's losing party might as well just stay home." "Oh,bummer!" "might as well just stay home." "Oh,bummer!" "Okay,everybody,getout !" "Oh,bummer!" "Okay,everybody,getout !" "I can't listen to any more!" "Okay,everybody,getout !" "I can't listen to any more!" "Howaboutwe allvote?" "I can't listen to any more!" "Howaboutwe allvote?" "Wait,whoareall these" "Howaboutwe allvote?" "Wait,whoareall these people?" "Wait,whoareall these people?" "Oh,thesearethe electors." "people?" "Oh,thesearethe electors." "They're the people who actually" "Oh,thesearethe electors." "They're the people who actually vote for president." "They're the people who actually vote for president." "Ithoughttheelectoral vote for president." "Ithoughttheelectoral college was just a name." "Ithoughttheelectoral college was just a name." "Oh,nope!" "college was just a name." "Oh,nope!" "When we vote, we're actually" "Oh,nope!" "When we vote, we're actually just picking our state's" "When we vote, we're actually just picking our state's electors." "Then, those electors get together and cast their ballots together and cast their ballots for president." "for president." "But,whoarethey?" "Oh,mostlyretired politicians and party flaks." "(laughing) politicians and party flaks." "(laughing) I'm the governor's rich cousin." "(laughing) I'm the governor's rich cousin." "Okay,Mr.Smarty,that'sjust" "I'm the governor's rich cousin." "Okay,Mr.Smarty,that'sjust  a technicality." "Okay,Mr.Smarty,that'sjust  a technicality." "They have to vote for who a technicality." "They have to vote for who we choose." "They have to vote for who we choose." "Actually,in24 states, we choose." "Actually,in24 states, they can vote for whoever they want." "And that's happened over 80 times." "In 2004, an elector in Minnesota 80 times." "In 2004, an elector in Minnesota cast his vote for someone named" ""John Ewards"... which was almost the name of John Kerry's almost the name of John Kerry's running mate." "Didyoumean"JohnEdwards"?" "Yes.( chuckling) I may have a drinking problem." "Yes.( chuckling) I may have a drinking problem." "Thatactuallyhappened?" "I may have a drinking problem." "Thatactuallyhappened?" "Thatactuallyhappened." "Thatactuallyhappened?" "Thatactuallyhappened." "That elector's vote didn't go to" "Thatactuallyhappened." "That elector's vote didn't go to John Kerry." "That elector's vote didn't go to John Kerry." "It went to the guy running for" "John Kerry." "It went to the guy running for vice-president." "It went to the guy running for vice-president." "The electoral college is such vice-president." "The electoral college is such a bad system, people have been" "The electoral college is such a bad system, people have been trying to abolish it for a bad system, people have been trying to abolish it for centuries... trying to abolish it for centuries..." "Oh." "centuries..." "Oh." "But,sofar,it'sbeen" "Oh." "But,sofar,it'sbeen  politically impossible." "But,sofar,it'sbeen  politically impossible." "Okay,well,thankyou for the  politically impossible." "Okay,well,thankyou for the  information." "Okay,well,thankyou for the  information." "I cannot believe our beautiful information." "I cannot believe our beautiful system has become so messed up." "I cannot believe our beautiful system has become so messed up." "Oh,no,thefoundingfathers system has become so messed up." "Oh,no,thefoundingfathers designed our system this" "Oh,no,thefoundingfathers designed our system this messed up. (chuckling) designed our system this messed up. (chuckling) Allright,holdona minute, messed up. (chuckling) Allright,holdona minute, young man." "Allright,holdona minute, young man." "You do not talk about the young man." "You do not talk about the founding fathers like that." "You do not talk about the founding fathers like that." "They were brilliant men, who founding fathers like that." "They were brilliant men, who fought hard for my right" "They were brilliant men, who fought hard for my right to vote." "fought hard for my right to vote." "Actually,thefounding to vote." "Actually,thefounding fathers didn't think you should" "Actually,thefounding fathers didn't think you should be able to vote at all." "fathers didn't think you should be able to vote at all." "Or me." "be able to vote at all." "Or me." "Or most Americans. (chuckling)" "Or me." "Or most Americans. (chuckling) Let's go back in time, and I'll" "Or most Americans. (chuckling) Let's go back in time, and I'll prove it to you." "Let's go back in time, and I'll prove it to you." "(console beeping) prove it to you." "(console beeping) Oh... those are single-use." "(console beeping) Oh... those are single-use." "Aah!" "Oh... those are single-use." "Aah!" "(whistling)" "(energy crackling)" "Donna,welcometo  Philadelphia, 1787." "Mygosh,thisislike adream  vacation." "Oh!" "There's James Madison, and vacation." "Oh!" "There's James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton." "Oh!" "There's James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton." "Ew, what-- what's that smell?" "Alexander Hamilton." "Ew, what-- what's that smell?" "(sniffing)" "Ew, what-- what's that smell?" "(sniffing) Well,it'sprobablythe" "(sniffing) Well,it'sprobablythe  chamber pots." "Well,it'sprobablythe  chamber pots." "Andthisis ....?" "chamber pots." "Andthisis ....?" "Oh,hey,Ed !" "Andthisis ....?" "Oh,hey,Ed !" "Uh, Donna, this is Ed Ayers." "He's a historian at the University of Richmond." "University of Richmond." "He's just back here doing a little research." "So,youbroughtussomebody else to introduce to the" "So,youbroughtussomebody else to introduce to the founding fathers' era?" "else to introduce to the founding fathers' era?" "Yeah,youwanttotell her founding fathers' era?" "Yeah,youwanttotell her about 'em?" "Yeah,youwanttotell her about 'em?" "Thestoryis alittle about 'em?" "Thestoryis alittle discouraging." "Thestoryis alittle discouraging." "We revere the founding fathers, discouraging." "We revere the founding fathers, as we should, but their ideas of" "We revere the founding fathers, as we should, but their ideas of democracy were just a little bit as we should, but their ideas of democracy were just a little bit different from ours." "democracy were just a little bit different from ours." "Oh,I cannotbelievethat." "different from ours." "Oh,I cannotbelievethat." "Oh,well,seefor yourself." "Oh,I cannotbelievethat." "Oh,well,seefor yourself." "They're creating our election" "Oh,well,seefor yourself." "They're creating our election system." "They're creating our election system." "(gavel banging) system." "(gavel banging) Gentlemen,I submitto you," "(gavel banging) Gentlemen,I submitto you, good sirs, that we structure" "Gentlemen,I submitto you, good sirs, that we structure America as a direct democracy, good sirs, that we structure America as a direct democracy, one where every person votes" "America as a direct democracy, one where every person votes directly for president." "one where every person votes directly for president." "(Donna clapping alone) directly for president." "(Donna clapping alone) Psych!" "(Donna clapping alone) Psych!" "J/K, boys!" "Psych!" "J/K, boys!" "That would be ridiculous!" "J/K, boys!" "That would be ridiculous!" "(laughter)" "That would be ridiculous!" "(laughter) That--thatcan'tbe!" "(laughter) That--thatcan'tbe!" "Adams,youbelievedit." "That--thatcan'tbe!" "Adams,youbelievedit." "You believed it!" "Adams,youbelievedit." "You believed it!" "I saw your face!" "You believed it!" "I saw your face!" "Whydidn'ttheywantdirect" "I saw your face!" "Whydidn'ttheywantdirect democracy?" "Whydidn'ttheywantdirect democracy?" "Honestly?" "democracy?" "Honestly?" "They didn't trust us to vote" "Honestly?" "They didn't trust us to vote correctly." "They didn't trust us to vote correctly." "Putyourselfin theirshoes." "correctly." "Putyourselfin theirshoes." "They're creating a new country." "Putyourselfin theirshoes." "They're creating a new country." "They're not sure what's gonna" "They're creating a new country." "They're not sure what's gonna happen." "They're not sure what's gonna happen." "They're kind of worried about happen." "They're kind of worried about too much democracy, and they" "They're kind of worried about too much democracy, and they think it's be a good idea, too much democracy, and they think it's be a good idea, maybe, for there to be a buffer" "think it's be a good idea, maybe, for there to be a buffer between the people and the maybe, for there to be a buffer between the people and the government." "between the people and the government." "Thecommonmancouldvote for government." "Thecommonmancouldvote for the king of England, or a" "Thecommonmancouldvote for the king of England, or a demagogue, or, like, little bugs the king of England, or a demagogue, or, like, little bugs or something." "demagogue, or, like, little bugs or something." "I don't know." "or something." "I don't know." "They're very, very dumb people." "I don't know." "They're very, very dumb people." "How about, we have the people" "They're very, very dumb people." "How about, we have the people choose electors, and then they" "How about, we have the people choose electors, and then they pick the president?" "choose electors, and then they pick the president?" "Like, I don't know, the pick the president?" "Like, I don't know, the governor's rich cousin can" "Like, I don't know, the governor's rich cousin can do it." "governor's rich cousin can do it." "Oh,howcondescending." "do it." "Oh,howcondescending." "Yeah,theykindofwere ." "Oh,howcondescending." "Yeah,theykindofwere ." "And, there was one particular" "Yeah,theykindofwere ." "And, there was one particular group of states that rallied" "And, there was one particular group of states that rallied really hard against direct group of states that rallied really hard against direct democracy." "really hard against direct democracy." "Thesmallerstates?" "democracy." "Thesmallerstates?" "Notquite." "Thesmallerstates?" "Notquite." "Yeah,y 'all,itwouldbe" "Notquite." "Yeah,y 'all,itwouldbe great for us to have" "Yeah,y 'all,itwouldbe great for us to have representative democracy that great for us to have representative democracy that gave us credit for the representative democracy that gave us credit for the population of our states." "gave us credit for the population of our states." "Even if some of those people population of our states." "Even if some of those people aren't actually voting, if you," "Even if some of those people aren't actually voting, if you, uh, catch my meaning." "aren't actually voting, if you, uh, catch my meaning." "(coughing) Slaves!" "uh, catch my meaning." "(coughing) Slaves!" "He'stalkingaboutslaves!" "(coughing) Slaves!" "He'stalkingaboutslaves!" "Are you saying the slave states" "He'stalkingaboutslaves!" "Are you saying the slave states are responsible for the" "Are you saying the slave states are responsible for the electoral college?" "are responsible for the electoral college?" "Well,toaconsiderable electoral college?" "Well,toaconsiderable extent." "Well,toaconsiderable extent." "Slave states were very powerful." "extent." "Slave states were very powerful." "If you're gonna have a "United"" "Slave states were very powerful." "If you're gonna have a "United" States, you're gonna have to" "If you're gonna have a "United" States, you're gonna have to make concessions to bring" "States, you're gonna have to make concessions to bring them in." "make concessions to bring them in." "Yeah,look,thefounding them in." "Yeah,look,thefounding fathers weren't benevolent" "Yeah,look,thefounding fathers weren't benevolent demigods." "fathers weren't benevolent demigods." "They were humans who made demigods." "They were humans who made compromises and mistakes." "They were humans who made compromises and mistakes." "And building a compromise with compromises and mistakes." "And building a compromise with slavery into the structure of" "And building a compromise with slavery into the structure of our government was one of them." "slavery into the structure of our government was one of them." "Wouldyouexcusemeforjust our government was one of them." "Wouldyouexcusemeforjust a minute?" "Wouldyouexcusemeforjust a minute?" "Sure." "a minute?" "Sure." "Mr.Conover,thatisenough." "Sure." "Mr.Conover,thatisenough." "I may not know everything, but" "Mr.Conover,thatisenough." "I may not know everything, but I passionately believe that" "I may not know everything, but I passionately believe that reading is fundamental, and that" "I passionately believe that reading is fundamental, and that Gordon Ramsay's wit is reading is fundamental, and that Gordon Ramsay's wit is underappreciated, and that even" "Gordon Ramsay's wit is underappreciated, and that even though the founding fathers may underappreciated, and that even though the founding fathers may not have been perfect, they are though the founding fathers may not have been perfect, they are still noble and brave men who" "not have been perfect, they are still noble and brave men who believed that every citizen has still noble and brave men who believed that every citizen has a right to vote, so help me God." "believed that every citizen has a right to vote, so help me God." "Oh,no,theydidn'tthink a right to vote, so help me God." "Oh,no,theydidn'tthink that you should be able to vote" "Oh,no,theydidn'tthink that you should be able to vote at all." "that you should be able to vote at all." "Right,becauseI'mawoman." "at all." "Right,becauseI'mawoman." "Oh,no,becauseyou don 't" "Right,becauseI'mawoman." "Oh,no,becauseyou don 't own land." "Oh,no,becauseyou don 't own land." "Also, because you're a woman." "own land." "Also, because you're a woman." "Yeah." "Also, because you're a woman." "Yeah." "Allmenarecreatedequal..." "Yeah." "Allmenarecreatedequal..." "if they have land." "Allmenarecreatedequal..." "if they have land." "Like this guy." "if they have land." "Like this guy." "He owns a farm." "Like this guy." "He owns a farm." "He's equal to me." "He owns a farm." "He's equal to me." "Not so much, the rest of you." "He's equal to me." "Not so much, the rest of you." "You're... not quite people." "Not so much, the rest of you." "You're... not quite people." "Whoo,farmboysfor life!" "You're... not quite people." "Whoo,farmboysfor life!" "Farmers only!" "Get!" "Whoo,farmboysfor life!" "Farmers only!" "Get!" "Really?" "Farmers only!" "Get!" "Really?" "They... really thought that?" "Really?" "They... really thought that?" "Oh,yeah." "They... really thought that?" "Oh,yeah." "We did." "Oh,yeah." "We did." "Ask the historian." "We did." "Ask the historian." "Yeah,I 'msorry,Donna." "Ask the historian." "Yeah,I 'msorry,Donna." "It's true." "Yeah,I 'msorry,Donna." "It's true." "Thisiswhyyou shouldnever" "It's true." "Thisiswhyyou shouldnever meet your heroes." "Thisiswhyyou shouldnever meet your heroes." "Whenthefoundingfathers meet your heroes." "Whenthefoundingfathers created our democracy, they gave" "Whenthefoundingfathers created our democracy, they gave the vote to just 6% of the created our democracy, they gave the vote to just 6% of the population." "the vote to just 6% of the population." "And it took a long time to population." "And it took a long time to change that." "And it took a long time to change that." "(beeping, whirring)" "It took almost 70 years before the right to vote was extended the right to vote was extended even to just all white men." "even to just all white men." "(dinging)" "(dinging) Whitemenrule." "Whitemenrule." "(all)Whitemenrule!" "Herewego !" "Whitemenrule!" "That'sa badchant." "Whitemenrule!" "That'sa badchant." "Andthen14 yearslater,the" "That'sa badchant." "Andthen14 yearslater,the Fifteenth Amendment finally gave" "Andthen14 yearslater,the Fifteenth Amendment finally gave black men the right to vote." "Fifteenth Amendment finally gave black men the right to vote." "(beeping)" "Thiswilllastforever!" "(laughing)" "(laughing) Whoo!" "Whoo!" "Yeah!" "( laughing)" "Itdidn't." "Soon after that, states passed Jim Crow laws that made it" "Soon after that, states passed Jim Crow laws that made it virtually impossible for black" "Jim Crow laws that made it virtually impossible for black Americans to vote." "virtually impossible for black Americans to vote." "(beeping)" "Igenuinelydon'tunderstand how we justify this to how we justify this to ourselves!" "ourselves!" "(laughter)" "Awful." "And,in1920,womenfinally got the franchise." "(beeping) Femalepresident," "Femalepresident, here we come!" "here we come!" "(cheering)" "Getreadyto wait,honey." "And45yearsafterthat ,the Voting Rights Act of 1965" "And45yearsafterthat ,the Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally secured African" "Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally secured African Americans' right to vote." "finally secured African Americans' right to vote." "(beeping)" "Americans' right to vote." "(beeping) Which brings us to the present." "(beeping) Which brings us to the present." "Whoareallthesepeople?" "Which brings us to the present." "Whoareallthesepeople?" "I thought everyone could vote." "Whoareallthesepeople?" "I thought everyone could vote." "Unfortunatelynot." "I thought everyone could vote." "Unfortunatelynot." "There are still millions of" "Unfortunatelynot." "There are still millions of American citizens who pay taxes" "There are still millions of American citizens who pay taxes and don't have representation." "American citizens who pay taxes and don't have representation." "Those suffering without suffrage and don't have representation." "Those suffering without suffrage include the citizens of" "Those suffering without suffrage include the citizens of Washington, D.C... include the citizens of Washington, D.C..." "650,000peopleliveinD.C." "Washington, D.C..." "650,000peopleliveinD.C.  and have no representation in 650,000peopleliveinD.C.  and have no representation in Congress." "and have no representation in Congress." "(scoffing) Come on!" "Congress." "(scoffing) Come on!" "AndAmerica'sterritories," "(scoffing) Come on!" "AndAmerica'sterritories, like American Samoa," "AndAmerica'sterritories, like American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and Guam." "like American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and Guam." "We'reAmericancitizens." "Puerto Rico, and Guam." "We'reAmericancitizens." "Jeez!" "We'reAmericancitizens." "Jeez!" "Anditgetsworse" "Jeez!" "Anditgetsworse-- Worse,ofcourseitdoes ." "Anditgetsworse-- Worse,ofcourseitdoes ." "What other nice people" "Worse,ofcourseitdoes ." "What other nice people can't vote?" "What other nice people can't vote?" "Nuns, volunteers in nursing can't vote?" "Nuns, volunteers in nursing homes, Tom Hanks?" "Nuns, volunteers in nursing homes, Tom Hanks?" "Nope--felons!" "homes, Tom Hanks?" "Nope--felons!" "In many states, felons are" "Nope--felons!" "In many states, felons are barred from voting for the rest" "In many states, felons are barred from voting for the rest of their lives, even after barred from voting for the rest of their lives, even after they're released." "of their lives, even after they're released." "Well,isn'tthata... they're released." "Well,isn'tthata..." "good thing?" "Well,isn'tthata..." "good thing?" "I mean, maybe they good thing?" "I mean, maybe they shouldn't vote." "I mean, maybe they shouldn't vote." "Why?" "shouldn't vote." "Why?" "I served my time." "Why?" "I served my time." "What's the worst that could" "I served my time." "What's the worst that could happen?" "What's the worst that could happen?" "(cackling) happen?" "(cackling) I just voted to make crime" "(cackling) I just voted to make crime legal." "I just voted to make crime legal." "It's "Purge" time, baby!" "legal." "It's "Purge" time, baby!" "Haa!" "It's "Purge" time, baby!" "Haa!" "Lady,that'spreposterous." "Haa!" "Lady,that'spreposterous." "You have to vote for" "Lady,that'spreposterous." "You have to vote for a candidate." "You have to vote for a candidate." "I'm actually registered a candidate." "I'm actually registered Green Party." "I'm actually registered Green Party." "Oh,gosh." "Green Party." "Oh,gosh." "You've got a good point there." "Oh,gosh." "You've got a good point there." "Maybe I'm convinced." "You've got a good point there." "Maybe I'm convinced." "Youknow,guys,thistopic" "Maybe I'm convinced." "Youknow,guys,thistopic has a really interesting" "Youknow,guys,thistopic has a really interesting history." "has a really interesting history." "Oh,yeah,goodpoint,Ed." "history." "Oh,yeah,goodpoint,Ed." "To learn more, let's go back in" "Oh,yeah,goodpoint,Ed." "To learn more, let's go back in time to the Jim Crow South." "To learn more, let's go back in time to the Jim Crow South." "IsaidIwas convinced!" "time to the Jim Crow South." "IsaidIwas convinced!" "(thunder crashing)" "IsaidIwas convinced!" "(thunder crashing) (Adam)Herewe are." "(thunder crashing) (Adam)Herewe are." "Yeah,for100yearsinthe" "(Adam)Herewe are." "Yeah,for100yearsinthe Jim Crow South, white" "Yeah,for100yearsinthe Jim Crow South, white Southerners did everything they" "Jim Crow South, white Southerners did everything they could to keep black Southerners" "Southerners did everything they could to keep black Southerners from voting." "could to keep black Southerners from voting." "Goonhome." "from voting." "Goonhome." "Theywouldtakeminorcrimes" "Goonhome." "Theywouldtakeminorcrimes and turn them into felonies," "Theywouldtakeminorcrimes and turn them into felonies, and then pass laws saying that and turn them into felonies, and then pass laws saying that felons can't vote." "and then pass laws saying that felons can't vote." "I'dliketo vote,please." "felons can't vote." "I'dliketo vote,please." "Areyouafelon?" "I'dliketo vote,please." "Areyouafelon?" "No,sir." "Areyouafelon?" "No,sir." "Well,youarenow ,standing" "No,sir." "Well,youarenow ,standing around this line like a vagrant." "Well,youarenow ,standing around this line like a vagrant." "Let's go!" "around this line like a vagrant." "Let's go!" "Howawful." "Let's go!" "Howawful." "Thank God all those laws have" "Howawful." "Thank God all those laws have been repealed." "Thank God all those laws have been repealed." "Ihateto tellyou this, been repealed." "Ihateto tellyou this, Donna, but a lot of laws like" "Ihateto tellyou this, Donna, but a lot of laws like that are still on the books" "Donna, but a lot of laws like that are still on the books today." "that are still on the books today." "And they're still stopping today." "And they're still stopping African Americans from voting." "And they're still stopping African Americans from voting." "Here, I'll show you." "African Americans from voting." "Here, I'll show you." "(energy crackling)" "Here, I'll show you." "(energy crackling) Donna, this is Daryl Atkinson," "(energy crackling) Donna, this is Daryl Atkinson, a senior staff attorney at the" "Southern Coalition for Social Justice." "Justice." "Hey,howyoudoing,Donna?" "Hey,howyoudoing,Donna?" "Hi." "Hi." "Adam,I 'vegottago to court." "Adam,I 'vegottago to court." "Yeah,but,youcouldtake  a second to tell Donna your story, right?" "Sure." "story, right?" "Sure." "In 1996, I was convicted of a" "Sure." "In 1996, I was convicted of a first-time, non-violent" "In 1996, I was convicted of a first-time, non-violent drug crime." "first-time, non-violent drug crime." "I was sentenced to ten years in drug crime." "I was sentenced to ten years in prison, spent almost four years" "I was sentenced to ten years in prison, spent almost four years there, and once I got out, I was prison, spent almost four years there, and once I got out, I was able to get my education, get my" "there, and once I got out, I was able to get my education, get my bachelor's degree, law degree." "able to get my education, get my bachelor's degree, law degree." "I'm licensed to practice law in bachelor's degree, law degree." "I'm licensed to practice law in two different states." "I'm licensed to practice law in two different states." "Been even honored at the two different states." "Been even honored at the White House by the president." "Been even honored at the White House by the president." "But I still can't vote in my" "White House by the president." "But I still can't vote in my home state." "But I still can't vote in my home state." "And this doesn't just affect me." "home state." "And this doesn't just affect me." "Because African Americans are" "And this doesn't just affect me." "Because African Americans are disproportionately arrested for" "Because African Americans are disproportionately arrested for non-violent crimes, 13% of disproportionately arrested for non-violent crimes, 13% of African American males in this non-violent crimes, 13% of African American males in this country can't vote because of" "African American males in this country can't vote because of felon disenfranchisement laws." "country can't vote because of felon disenfranchisement laws." "Thebottomlineis, Jim Crow felon disenfranchisement laws." "Thebottomlineis, Jim Crow laws that are still on the books" "Thebottomlineis, Jim Crow laws that are still on the books are stopping 5 million Americans laws that are still on the books are stopping 5 million Americans like Daryl from voting are stopping 5 million Americans like Daryl from voting every year." "like Daryl from voting every year." "It'sdeplorable." "every year." "It'sdeplorable." "Iagree." "It'sdeplorable." "Iagree." "I gotta run, guys." "Iagree." "I gotta run, guys." "Thankyou,Daryl." "I gotta run, guys." "Thankyou,Daryl." "Come on." "Thankyou,Daryl." "Come on." "Weneedto do something." "Come on." "Weneedto do something." "We need to extend the vote to" "Weneedto do something." "We need to extend the vote to those people." "We need to extend the vote to those people." "I know!" "those people." "I know!" "I'll vote for a candidate who" "I know!" "I'll vote for a candidate who will support that." "I'll vote for a candidate who will support that." "Take me back to the polling will support that." "Take me back to the polling place." "Take me back to the polling place." "Thatisawonderfulidea , place." "Thatisawonderfulidea , Donna." "Thatisawonderfulidea , Donna." "(beeping)" "Donna." "(beeping) Too bad the political parties" "(beeping) Too bad the political parties have rigged the system to" "Too bad the political parties have rigged the system to determine the outcome of have rigged the system to determine the outcome of elections before they even determine the outcome of elections before they even happen." "elections before they even happen." "No!" "happen." "No!" "AndI 'lltellyouaboutit" "No!" "AndI 'lltellyouaboutit tonight, on" "AndI 'lltellyouaboutit tonight, on "Adam Ruins Everything,"" "tonight, on "Adam Ruins Everything," Election Night Edition." ""Adam Ruins Everything," Election Night Edition." "Ivoteyoutakemehome!" "Election Night Edition." "Ivoteyoutakemehome!" "(whistling)" "♪" "Tonight,on"ElectionNight in America, Decision Country, in America, Decision Country, USA."" "American democracy has never been perfect." "Throughout our history, been perfect." "Throughout our history, politicians and parties have" "Throughout our history, politicians and parties have used undemocratic, often even politicians and parties have used undemocratic, often even fraudulent means, to get used undemocratic, often even fraudulent means, to get elected." "fraudulent means, to get elected." "Idon'twanttohear it." "elected." "Idon'twanttohear it." "You're no Don Lemon." "Idon'twanttohear it." "You're no Don Lemon." "Can I vote, please?" "You're no Don Lemon." "Can I vote, please?" "Inthe19thcentury,people" "Can I vote, please?" "Inthe19thcentury,people would just sell their votes" "Inthe19thcentury,people would just sell their votes outright, and make bank traveling from state to state being paid to vote." "Democracysureis sweet." "Well,thankgoodnessthatwas a long time ago." "Well,thankgoodnessthatwas a long time ago." "Oh,no,electionfraudwas a long time ago." "Oh,no,electionfraudwas common practice well into the" "Oh,no,electionfraudwas common practice well into the 20th century." "common practice well into the 20th century." "LBJ won his first Senate 20th century." "LBJ won his first Senate election by buying the votes of" "LBJ won his first Senate election by buying the votes of entire districts, and was election by buying the votes of entire districts, and was finally put over the top when entire districts, and was finally put over the top when a corrupt election worker" "finally put over the top when a corrupt election worker changed a "7" to a "9."" "a corrupt election worker changed a "7" to a "9." Let's go to Texas." "changed a "7" to a "9." Let's go to Texas." "What's the total for Johnson" "Let's go to Texas." "What's the total for Johnson here in Jim Wells County?" "What's the total for Johnson here in Jim Wells County?" "Uh,LBJgot765 votes." "here in Jim Wells County?" "Uh,LBJgot765 votes." "(cash register dinging)" "Uh,LBJgot765 votes." "(cash register dinging) Oh!" "(cash register dinging) Oh!" "LBJ got 965 votes!" "Oh!" "LBJ got 965 votes!" "Back to you, me." "LBJ got 965 votes!" "Back to you, me." "So,thingsarebetternow," "Back to you, me." "So,thingsarebetternow,  right?" "So,thingsarebetternow,  right?" "Tell me they're better now." "right?" "Tell me they're better now." "Nope!" "Tell me they're better now." "Nope!" "To this day, political parties" "Nope!" "To this day, political parties pick the winners of elections" "To this day, political parties pick the winners of elections before they even happen." "pick the winners of elections before they even happen." "It's a process called before they even happen." "It's a process called "gerrymandering," and it's totally legal." "Oh,gerrymandering." "Oh,gerrymandering." "That's a word I've heard, and" "That's a word I've heard, and I hate it, and I have no idea" "I hate it, and I have no idea what it means." "what it means." "Oh,I 'llexplainit to you." "Oh,I 'llexplainit to you." "Every 10 years, politicians" "Every 10 years, politicians redraw the districts that pick redraw the districts that pick the House and state the House and state legislatures." "But, here's the problem." "The politicians that are elected by those districts are the same" "The politicians that are elected by those districts are the same politicians that redraw the by those districts are the same politicians that redraw the districts." "politicians that redraw the districts." "It's an insane conflict of districts." "It's an insane conflict of interest, because it allows" "It's an insane conflict of interest, because it allows political parties to choose the interest, because it allows political parties to choose the outcomes of elections years in political parties to choose the outcomes of elections years in advance." "outcomes of elections years in advance." "Look, say that 40% of the voters advance." "Look, say that 40% of the voters here in "Newstateadelphia" are" "Look, say that 40% of the voters here in "Newstateadelphia" are member of the Yellow Party." "TheYellowPartybelieves that all gays must own guns." "that all gays must own guns." "Andtheother60% are members" "Andtheother60% are members of the Purple Party." "of the Purple Party." "ThePurplePartybelieves" "ThePurplePartybelieves that all guns are gay." "that all guns are gay." "Now,ifyoudividedthis  state into districts fairly, you'd get perfect representation, three Purple you'd get perfect representation, three Purple districts, and two Yellow representation, three Purple districts, and two Yellow districts." "districts, and two Yellow districts." "Seemsfair." "districts." "Seemsfair." "Itis." "Seemsfair." "Itis." "But, if the Purple Party is" "Itis." "But, if the Purple Party is allowed to redraw the districts," "But, if the Purple Party is allowed to redraw the districts, they can do this." "allowed to redraw the districts, they can do this." "Five Purple districts, and zero" "Yellow districts." "Now,wecanpassalaw" "Now,wecanpassalaw  requiring babies to vape." "AndiftheYellowPartyis allowed to redraw the districts, they can do it like this." "allowed to redraw the districts, they can do it like this." "Three Yellow districts, and two" "Purple districts." "Nowwecangivethedeath" "Nowwecangivethedeath  penalty to all people named penalty to all people named Trevor." "Trevor." "The Yellow Party hates Trevors." "The Yellow Party hates Trevors." "Whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa!" "Whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa!" "As a proud Trevor American..." "EventhoughtheYellowParty has less voters in Newstateadelphia, if they're has less voters in Newstateadelphia, if they're allowed to redraw the lines" "Newstateadelphia, if they're allowed to redraw the lines however they want, they can allowed to redraw the lines however they want, they can still win." "however they want, they can still win." "And this happens every election still win." "And this happens every election year in America." "And this happens every election year in America." "Thatsoundslikecheating." "year in America." "Thatsoundslikecheating." "Oh!" "Thatsoundslikecheating." "Oh!" "That's exactly what it is." "Oh!" "That's exactly what it is." "In 2012, Pennsylvania" "That's exactly what it is." "In 2012, Pennsylvania Republicans lost the popular" "In 2012, Pennsylvania Republicans lost the popular vote, but they still won 72% of" "Republicans lost the popular vote, but they still won 72% of the seats in their state by vote, but they still won 72% of the seats in their state by drawing weird looking districts the seats in their state by drawing weird looking districts like this." "drawing weird looking districts like this." "And, Maryland Democrats did the like this." "And, Maryland Democrats did the exact same thing when they drew" "And, Maryland Democrats did the exact same thing when they drew this grotesquely unfair exact same thing when they drew this grotesquely unfair district." "this grotesquely unfair district." "Okay,thisis bad." "district." "Okay,thisis bad." "But, maybe it's just one of" "Okay,thisis bad." "But, maybe it's just one of those things that comes with democracy, right?" "Actually,Donna,theonly" "Actually,Donna,theonly other country that has a system other country that has a system like this is France." "No!" "We're not like France!" "Oui,oui." "We're not like France!" "Oui,oui." "(gasping)" "Oui,oui." "(gasping) So,beforeyouvotetonight," "(gasping) So,beforeyouvotetonight, remember, many of the results" "So,beforeyouvotetonight, remember, many of the results were decided before you even remember, many of the results were decided before you even cast a ballot." "were decided before you even cast a ballot." "Whoa." "America really is broken." "Oh,Donna,thepollsclosein" "Oh,Donna,thepollsclosein five minutes." "five minutes." "We've got to get you back so you" "We've got to get you back so you can vote. (chuckling)" "Why?" "What's the point?" "I'm going home." "What's the point?" "I'm going home." "Wait,no,Donna!" "I'm going home." "Wait,no,Donna!" "If you wait one second, I was" "Wait,no,Donna!" "If you wait one second, I was just-- wait." "If you wait one second, I was just-- wait." "I was about to tell you why it's just-- wait." "I was about to tell you why it's so important that you vote." "I was about to tell you why it's so important that you vote." "(energy crackling) so important that you vote." "(energy crackling) Man, that was my ride." "(energy crackling) Man, that was my ride." "(whistling)" "♪ Hi,Ms.Reem." "I know you're not gonna tell me," "Hi,Ms.Reem." "I know you're not gonna tell me, but I've got to know-- who did" "I know you're not gonna tell me, but I've got to know-- who did you vote for?" "but I've got to know-- who did you vote for?" "Noone." "you vote for?" "Noone." "Voting is pointless." "Noone." "Voting is pointless." "The system is broken." "Voting is pointless." "The system is broken." "America's garbage." "The system is broken." "America's garbage." "You got a cigarette?" "America's garbage." "You got a cigarette?" "I'm" "I 'm12." "You got a cigarette?" "I'm" "I 'm12." "So,youhaveone ?" "I'm" "I 'm12." "So,youhaveone ?" "(energy crackling)" "Oh,oh,man,thisalways happens." "Ahh." "happens." "Ahh." "Youprovedyourpoint." "Ahh." "Youprovedyourpoint." "I didn't vote." "Youprovedyourpoint." "I didn't vote." "Oh,Donna,I'vebeentrying" "I didn't vote." "Oh,Donna,I'vebeentrying to explain why it's so important" "Oh,Donna,I'vebeentrying to explain why it's so important that you vote." "to explain why it's so important that you vote." "Well,youain'tdoingagood that you vote." "Well,youain'tdoingagood job of it." "Well,youain'tdoingagood job of it." "(energy crackling) job of it." "(energy crackling) Oh, what now?" "(energy crackling) Oh, what now?" "Whew!" "( chuckling)" "Oh, what now?" "Whew!" "( chuckling) Finally!" "Whew!" "( chuckling) Finally!" "It took me forever to find a" "Finally!" "It took me forever to find a working time-traveling voting" "It took me forever to find a working time-traveling voting booth." "working time-traveling voting booth." "But, I wanted to come tell you, booth." "But, I wanted to come tell you, don't lose heart, Donna." "But, I wanted to come tell you, don't lose heart, Donna." "The founding fathers said "All don't lose heart, Donna." "The founding fathers said "All men are created equal," and they" "The founding fathers said "All men are created equal," and they couldn't live up to it in their men are created equal," and they couldn't live up to it in their era, but they built a machine" "couldn't live up to it in their era, but they built a machine that allows us to get better era, but they built a machine that allows us to get better every generation." "that allows us to get better every generation." "Now, it's our turn." "every generation." "Now, it's our turn." "Look,Americandemocracy" "Now, it's our turn." "Look,Americandemocracy isn't perfect, but it used to be" "Look,Americandemocracy isn't perfect, but it used to be a lot worse, and our system is isn't perfect, but it used to be a lot worse, and our system is actually more inclusive and" "a lot worse, and our system is actually more inclusive and democratic than it has ever actually more inclusive and democratic than it has ever been before." "democratic than it has ever been before." "And that's because, we've used been before." "And that's because, we've used democracy to make democracy" "And that's because, we've used democracy to make democracy stronger." "democracy to make democracy stronger." "So, Donna, if you want things to stronger." "So, Donna, if you want things to get better, you have to vote." "So, Donna, if you want things to get better, you have to vote." "Iguess,butchangingthe get better, you have to vote." "Iguess,butchangingthe system seems really hard." "Iguess,butchangingthe system seems really hard." "Oh,itis ,buthere'sone system seems really hard." "Oh,itis ,buthere'sone simple idea-- why don't we make" "Oh,itis ,buthere'sone simple idea-- why don't we make election day a national holiday?" "simple idea-- why don't we make election day a national holiday?" "It's way too difficult for busy election day a national holiday?" "It's way too difficult for busy Americans to get to the polls." "It's way too difficult for busy Americans to get to the polls." "Tellmeaboutit." "Americans to get to the polls." "Tellmeaboutit." "I had to take off work" "Tellmeaboutit." "I had to take off work to come here." "I had to take off work to come here." "Thatway,moreAmericans to come here." "Thatway,moreAmericans could vote more easily, and we" "Thatway,moreAmericans could vote more easily, and we would have time to celebrate could vote more easily, and we would have time to celebrate election day for what it is-- would have time to celebrate election day for what it is-- the most patriotic day of" "election day for what it is-- the most patriotic day of the year." "the most patriotic day of the year." "Whatanawesomeidea,Adam ." "the year." "Whatanawesomeidea,Adam ." "Youknow,thatreallyis" "Whatanawesomeidea,Adam ." "Youknow,thatreallyis inspiring." "Youknow,thatreallyis inspiring." "I'll do it!" "inspiring." "I'll do it!" "I'll vote!" "I'll do it!" "I'll vote!" "(softly) Yeah." "I'll vote!" "(softly) Yeah." "Oh,hey,Donna,um... (softly) Yeah." "Oh,hey,Donna,um..." "I really liked traveling through" "Oh,hey,Donna,um..." "I really liked traveling through time with you." "I really liked traveling through time with you." "Oh,metoo." "time with you." "Oh,metoo." "And any time you want to have" "Oh,metoo." "And any time you want to have tea, or chat, or just hang out," "And any time you want to have tea, or chat, or just hang out, you know, let me know." "tea, or chat, or just hang out, you know, let me know." "Hangout?" "you know, let me know." "Hangout?" "Like... as friends?" "Hangout?" "Like... as friends?" "Mr.Conover,Iwouldlove to" "Like... as friends?" "Mr.Conover,Iwouldlove to be your friend." "Mr.Conover,Iwouldlove to be your friend." "♪ be your friend." "♪ Wanttocomeovertonight" "♪ Wanttocomeovertonight and make spaghetti?" "Wanttocomeovertonight and make spaghetti?" "I'mkindof busy." "and make spaghetti?" "I'mkindof busy." "Maybe some other time." "I'mkindof busy." "Maybe some other time." "Great.( chuckling)" "Maybe some other time." "Great.( chuckling) That's great." "Great.( chuckling) That's great." "Literally, any night works" "That's great." "Literally, any night works for me." "Literally, any night works for me." "♪" "Next time, on "Adam Ruins Everything..."" ""Adam Ruins Everything..." You are literally working your" "You are literally working your employees stupid." "employees stupid." "How much money do you make?" "How much money do you make?" "Unh!" "Unh!" "If you don't know what the going" "If you don't know what the going rate is for your salary, it's rate is for your salary, it's easier for the company to rip easier for the company to rip you off." "you off." "Idemandaraise!"