tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18497138.post1802535713023944169..comments2024-01-22T03:02:52.051-08:00Comments on California Greening: 5 Reasons to Vote 'NO' on Top 2 Primary 'Reform'Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18497138.post-2176822559456999482010-07-18T11:49:40.896-07:002010-07-18T11:49:40.896-07:00Since the June election I have been thinking about...Since the June election I have been thinking about writing letters to Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer regarding my reactions to Proposition 14 and 15 results and my support for instant run-off elections and proportional representation. I finally go around to sending the letters and I include it here:<br /><br />Make Every Vote Count - Support Instant Runoff Elections<br /><br />First of all, I am disappointed that the Proposition 14 was passed by the voters last June and that Proposition 15 was turned down by the voters. I am concerned that we are allowing temporary opinions of the majority of voters who happened to choose to vote on these measures to undermine to undermine our constitutionally founded democracy in, even with majority rule, the majority cannot trounce on the rights of the minority. We need to consider this from a legal constitutional perspective, as well as consider corrective legislation to maintain and improve the democratic functioning of or society. I suspect that the ramifications of both were not well understood by the voters. Unfortunately the results may have been as they were because among those interested enough to vote, more somehow believed that they might benefit from the results because they are, after all, in the majority that is currently winning anyway and might as well stay in power. Those who abstained either didn't understand it or felt they wouldn't be harmed.<br /><br />My concern is heightened given the Supreme Court ruling on the Citizen's United case which allows money power too much influence over the information the voters use in their decisions. I am seeing even more lopsided "free-speech" when so many are virtually silenced from participating in the debate.<br /><br />In that context I would like for you to seriously consider the following:<br /><br />When I vote, I should not be forced into playing the game of asking, "What if who I really want to vote for loses and only takes away the vote of someone I could live with as my representative, but might lose because I took the vote away?" Remember Nader and Perot acting as spoilers in past presidential elections?<br /><br />Well, I have decided I am not going to play that game. I, along with potentially many other voters, am going to vote my conscious. I can't predict whether or not I will vote for you as I have in all previous elections, but there is strong chance that I may vote for a third party candidate. I realize that for now, my candidate will not likely win. However, I hold you in high esteem and would be delighted for you to continue to represent me in the event my candidate does not win. Please don't let the deficiencies of the current electoral system take away my right to have my vote count for you if my preferred candidate cannot win. We need an electoral system that allows my minority vote that ends up losing to be automatically applied to my second and even third choice selection of a candidate. The final candidate must get a majority of votes after applying second or third choices of those who voted for candidates that could not get a majority.<br /><br />Please note that my position on this should not be taken as as being in opposition to proportional representation. I believe that using proportional representation in one hose of a bicameral system and instant runoff majority voting in the other house would be the best system. However I think that the priority should be to start instant run-off voting as soon as possible because it fits better with how our current electoral system currently works.<br /><br />Respectfully, and with thanks for your careful consideration,<br /><br />Michael DoraisMichael Doraishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13025988467931619630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18497138.post-17595177999198421412010-05-04T05:06:16.703-07:002010-05-04T05:06:16.703-07:00Here's the page that allows you to easily comp...Here's the page that allows you to easily compose a letter to the editor about why you oppose Prop 14 and send it to your local paper:<br /><br />http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1488/t/338/letter/?letter_KEY=632<br /><br />Here's where you can volunteer to stop Top Two:<br /><br />http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1488/signUp.jsp?key=3369Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15191765471206225563noreply@blogger.com