A Review of the Meyers Report Election Rules Survey
In March 2026, The Meyers Report released an updated review of election rules in the United States and 36 countries around the world. The study was designed to evaluate election integrity based on election laws and procedures that the report's authors believe reduce opportunities for fraud and increase public confidence in election outcomes.
The report traces its origins to the recommendations of the 2005 Carter-Baker Commission, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker. Following concerns raised after the2000 and 2004 presidential elections, the commission identified several vulnerabilities in American election administration, including absentee voting, inaccurate voter registration rolls, voting technology reliability, and voter identification requirements.
Using these factors and additional election administration criteria, the Meyers Report compared all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 36 nations across five continents.
United States Receives Lowest Score Among Countries Surveyed
One of the most striking conclusions of the report is its assessment of the current American election system. According to the Meyers Report, the United States receives a score of 59.8, earning an "F" grade and ranking last among the 37 countries included in the survey.
The report notes that every U.S. state scored below several countries often not associated with election administration discussions in the United States, including Kenya, Mexico, Chile, Ghana, and Italy. Each of those countries received an "A" grade under the report's methodology.
The report also concludes that the average score for American states falls below the average scores for both Africa and Latin America.
New Jersey and New York Rank Near the Bottom
The survey paints a particularly poor picture for New Jersey and New York under the current legal framework.
According to thereport:
New Jersey's score of 51 places it among the lowest-ranked states in the nation, while New York's score of 58 also falls within the failing category.
The reportclassifies scores as follows:
- A = 90+
- B = 83–89
- C = 75–82
- D = 65–74
- F = Below 65
Under these criteria, neither New Jersey nor New York achieves a passing grade.
The report further notes that only four states currently receive passing grades of either "B" or "C," while twenty states receive a "D" and twenty-seven states receive an "F."
Impact of the SAVE America Act and MEGA Act
A central theme of the report is the projected impact of two proposed federal reforms: the SAVE America Act and the MEGA Act.
According to the report's analysis, passage of these measures would significantly improve election integrity scores across all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
The report projects the following nationwide changes:
- 1 state would receive an A grade.
- 24 states would receive a B grade.
- 16 states plus the District of Columbia would receive a C grade.
- 8 states would receive a D grade.
- No state would receive an F grade.
The report argues that these reforms would substantially reduce opportunities for election fraud and strengthen public confidence in election administration.
New Jersey and New York After Reform
Perhaps the most significant finding for residents of New Jersey and New York is the projected improvement in their rankings if the proposed reforms were enacted.
The report estimates the following post-reform scores:
Under this scenario, New Jersey would move from a failing score of 51 to a score of 84, placing it solidly within the "B" range. New York would improve from 58 to 89, placing it near the top of all states evaluated.
Comparison to the Rest of the World
The report also compares projected U.S. performance with regional averages around the world.
According to the Meyers Report, passage of the SAVE America Act and MEGA Act would move the United States from the lowest-ranked country in the survey to a position roughly equal to the average of the 36 countries studied.
New Jersey's projected score of 84 would exceed the averages for Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe. New York's projected score of 89 would approach the average score of African nations included in the survey.
Conclusion
The Meyers Report presents a stark assessment of the current state of election integrity in the United States. Using standards derived from concerns identified by the Carter-Baker Commission, the report concludes that both New Jersey and New York currently receive failing grades and rank near the bottom of U.S. states in election integrity.
The report's authors argue that adoption of the SAVE America Act and the MEGA Act would dramatically improve election administration nationwide. Under the report's scoring system, New Jersey would improve from an "F" to a "B," New York would improve from an "F" to ahigh "B," and the national average would rise from 59.8 to81.1.
Whether one agrees with the report's methodology or policy recommendations, the study highlights the continuing national debate over voter identification, voter registration maintenance, absentee voting procedures, and election administration standards. As election reform proposals continue to be debated in Congress and state legislatures, the Meyers Report provides one perspective on how those reforms could affect the relative standing of New Jersey, New York, and the United States in comparison to election systems around the world.
To get involved locally go to www.citizens4njei.org or email info@citizens4njei.org. To get involved nationally go to www.electionintegritynetwork.org/ and sign their citizens petition by clicking here.
