A voting system for a modern era

I don’t think it’s a stretch or a big surprise to anyone that our voting system is wildly outdated and does not serve the American people in a way that truly represents us or the idea of a noble Democracy. Over the course of our 250 year history as a country, we have become aware of the need to upgrade our voting system so that it works better for all people. While this is a huge issue that spans not only the jurisdiction of North Greenbush, it’s a matter of great importance for all districts and states within our great nation. But even if the system is not able to be changed on a national scale, we can do our part here, in our corner of the world, to set an example and show that an intelligently reformed system can work for all. The best part about it? It costs virtually nothing; we need only put pen to paper in order to bring meaningful change.

1. Term Limits

   1. It’s my belief that we all share a duty to civic engagement. By creating term limits, it prevents folks from holding office as a “career politician” and drives more voices to take a leadership role in our communities.

   2. By saying that, I will lead by example, making a promise and commitment to serve no more than two terms (if the current cycle for Town Supervisor is two years) or one term (if the new law passes that allows a supervisor to serve a four year term).

2. Age Limits

   1. I find it wholly unfair that a person in their later years should be allowed to enact legislation that affects voters half their age, leaving what could be a disastrous turn of events. For too long we have seen our country lead by people wildly out of touch with their constituency. If we are to have a true Democracy, we should have representatives who embody and represent the average voter. It is therefore my prerogative that any elected officials and representatives should be limited to an age cap of less than 70 years old at the time of election day. This would effectively prevent anyone who is 75 years or older from holding office.

   2. Age limits would not affect members of committees, chairs or members of municipal committees, or their election boards. If age brings wisdom, we should still hear those folks out and encourage community engagement.

3. Ranked Choice Voting

   1. Have you ever been unsatisfied with either candidate, regardless of which side of the aisle they hail from? Have you ever wished that there was a fair and equitable way to achieve Democracy that worked for a majority of people? Before diving into my thoughts, please have a look at these article from campaignlegal.org (https://campaignlegal.org/democracyu/accountability/ranked-choice-voting).

   2. It’s my firm belief that Ranked Choice Voting is necessary for our Democracy to work properly. Therefore, I will bring forward a resolution that from now on, North Greenbush will join other municipalities in the effort to reshape our voting system for the betterment of all people. Doing so, especially in our age of growing views and population, will allow more voices to be heard. It will give elected officials a chance who may not be exclusively “red” or “blue” but every shade of “purple” in between.

   3. For too long, half of the voters in our country (perhaps in our states, cities, and towns as well) feel disenfranchised by our limited and exclusionary system where we are forced to choose a candidate that we may not even remotely agree with, yet are compelled to vote for because of their party affiliation. This measure therefore brings fairness not only our voting system, but to the people who demand it.

   4. While this is be far and wide the more monumental change, it has a proven track record not just in the data and mock elections that are presented, but in real practice. Ranked Choice Voting also helps to reduce or prevent the Spoiler Effect (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoiler_effect), when a third-party candidate pulls votes from either of the two mainstream parties and thereby pulls or “spoils” and election.

   5. It’s understandable that this change is may be viewed as “too complicated” or unachievable. In North Greenbush, it’s my firm belief that those worries are unfounded. I know our constituency is bright enough and determined enough to see Democracy work. If other municipalities can do it, then it should be no challenge for us at all.