All elections, state and federal, are limited to a 3 month campaign period. All funding is public, with individual donations limited to $250. Debate and personal campaigning is reserved in 10% of prime air time in all channels, stations, cable and TV as part of their obligation in leasing pubic airwaves. No corporate funding or lobbying is allowed. All candidates indicate their commitment to how they will vote in 30 key issues of the day, one month in advance of the election day. Those who subsequently vote differently on 5 or more of these issues are subject to a recall vote. All elections are by duplicate paper ballots, countable by representative citizen groups. Early voting by 1 month is ensured, as well as mail-in and weekend voting. All over 18 who have simple proof of citizenship can vote, including felons and dual-citizenship voters.
Problem
Elections now take easily the major part of our elected representatives' time over a 2 year period before the election day. A major part of their time in office is soliciting funding and recruiting support, leaving little time for the duties of their office. With Supreme court rulings, corporations now can pour unlimited funds in campaigns that serve the profit and power. Unauditable voting machines, gerrymandering, restricted voting rights, corporate takeover of our media, unrelenting lobbying, no campaign financing limits, and think-tank propaganda have shredded fair and open elections. Once in office, our representatives are targets of relentless lobbying, voting monitoring, kickbacks, corporate legislation proposals, trips and air travel, revolving-door jobs, and the culture of the state or national capital.
Solution
This manifesto ensures that our elected representatives hear the voice of the people and enact their will. They are free to direct their energy and talent for reflection and government, as well as have their major contacts with their voters. Much waste of time, money, media, and speculation will be saved and directed to more productive ends. Extreme positions, gridlock in government, and recourse to ideology are less likely. The full participation of the citizenry in free and fair elections is encouraged. The heart and will of the people will have a central place in government.
Next?
Yes, these are major changes. They will not be brought about by blaming, demonizing, disillusionment, fear-mongering, or despair. They will happen through empathy, compassion and hope. And action. Here are some suggested readings:
Unequal Protection, 2002. Thom Hartmann
Billionaires and Ballot Bandits, 2012. Greg Palast
The Voting Wars, 2012. Richard L. Hasen
And yes, do tell us of your thoughts or changes you would like to make.
