yes. no need for it

HI -- Ask a contractor if any of the posts are supporting and maybe all of that can be removed if it is not supporting. And yes the railing should go and maybe that center post too.

I agree with lefty47 . It would be nice if the entire space could be opened up. If not then just remove the railing.

That area looks pretty small so what do you plan to put there when the railing is gone I think maybe a nice colored rocking chair is about all that will fit and then you will be left with a drop off that IMO is not good While you are working on that remove the shutters from the double wide windows . I would do some taller plants in frot of the railing and leave it.

If you decide to keep/replace the railing, I would paint the railing (not the posts) a color similar to the house to make it "disappear". Visually it would be better gone, but you may prefer the barrier. I also like Patricia's idea of taller plants in front of the railing.