iCitizenForum by Colonial Williamsburg

Open Elections

Our popular vote is invalidated by an election system that was designed by the political parties, to maintain their control. This complicated, costly election process marginalizes citizens’ votes, rewards the party hacks, and gives undue power to political insiders. Politicians and money interests have appropriated our wishes in this archaic election procedure.

The primaries lessen the voters’ control by authorizing statedelegates and the super delegates (political insiders) to select the successful candidate. Even the general presidential election is not decided by the popular vote, but rather, by the electoral votes of each state.

Thus far, the over $1 billion dollars, spent in today’s presidential primary, will obligate the eventual winners to special interests. Granted, some of the money comes from loyal individual supporters. However, there is no commitment for the candidate because it is an anonymous hoard of small donors with no specific interests.

The use of open elections will re-establish the popular vote, eliminate primaries, reduce political control, and the influence of special interests. Open elections are open to all candidates, regardless of political affiliation, where the winner is determined by over 50% of the popular vote. If no candidate receives the required 50%, there is a runoff campaign, between the two top vote getters. There can be length-of-time constraints for campaigning to reduce the amount of money needed to run for office. Additionally, individuals can be required to resign from any public office to qualify as a candidate to eliminate frivolous contenders.

John Yoo, a law professor at the University of California, in his Mar. 24th op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, reports how undemocratic our election system is and the possible negative consequences of the selection process at the upcoming Democratic caucus.

We can change our election system if we act together - liberals, conservatives, and independents, by persistently petitioning for this change. Politicians are driven by the power of public opinion. So, let’s write, e-mail, fax, and include in our campaign contributions the call for open elections.

Resource:
DemocracyConservator.org