Forum Post: ELECTION REFORM
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 6, 2011, 6:12 p.m. EST by shinyheart
(27)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Ideas for elections reform!!
- Publicly financed elections - cut off the dependence of Congress on the money of the 1%, that at present they need to get elected. http://fixcongressfirst.org/
This may require a constitutional amendment to allow matching funds against privately funded candidates.
Instant run-off voting - make it so that people aren't scared that they'll be throwing their vote away and/or throwing the election to the guy they hate most if they vote for a third party. Explanation here: http://www.tree.org/instant.htm
Maaaaybe mandatory voting, particularly if we make the first two ideas happen? - it would force politicians to consider the interests of everyone, not just the older, wealthier people who vote in higher percentages.
I actually believe that electoral reform needs to go farther, and WILL need a constitutional revision. Why can't we have a parliamentary system (without filibusters) where members of our national legislature are elected by proportional representation so that all opinions in our society are represented.
Regarding the campaign finance I agree fully, and coroorate money should be eliminated. You should look at this link for the effort to do just this http://www.getmoneyout.com/.
I believe we need to demand publicly funded election campaigns in order to free our congress people for being obligated and influenced by their campaign contributors. What we spend on campaigns will be far less than what we waste on bad legislation.
I believe we need to demand publicly funded election campaigns in order to free our congress people for being obligated and influenced by their campaign contributors. What we spend on campaigns will be far less than what we waste on bad legislation.
I like Instant Run Off Voting just by the sound of it... but is there any possible issues that could lead to us still being in some trouble?
I would think we should have a "Neither. New election" option... make them really think twice when they both realize that they can be totally undesirable...
Wow Divinityfound I really like the idea of a "Neither. New election" option. I think that would be huge.
And kind of would aide in discrediting COUNTLESS political candidates for any reason we could throw out there... but it could also be used for parties to find more time to get new contenders.
I like all of it. Mandatory could instead be an incentive such as a tax rebate or other.
Its time we take back our country and not let a hand ful of greedy politicians dictate how we take care of America. Pull back our troops, protect our borders, fund education and health care. Stop all donations to candidates and have all funding for politicians go into turning this country around. We need the world to look up to us again, not look at us with disgrace.
I don't agree with mandatory voting, since if people don't want to vote then they shouldn't have to. But the other two ideas are fantastic and I think they should be the focus of this movement. Those that agree should try to convince others that this is the case.