NEMRA – 2017:
- Makes the election process less stressful for
voters, election officials, candidates, and elected representatives by
essentially combining primary and general elections into one election in
November· Saves taxpayers $3 – 4 million each election cycle by eliminating primary elections, holding a single election in November using ranked choice / instant runoff voting (RCV / IRV). Dollars could be used towards needed replacement of voting equipment and software. Current system is more than 10 years old and nearing obsolescence· Maintains political parties’ right of association.· Allows political parties to nominate, limit the number of candidates, or endorse a particular candidate at their discretion so long as no tax dollars were used· If a political party chooses to limit the number of candidates, allows those refused the right to run to change their voter registration to Non-Partisan and attempt to qualify for the ballot as an independent candidate· Maintains ballot access for minor party and independent candidates· Eliminates strategic voting and the spoiler effect· Maximizes voter interest and turnout· Recognizes the importance of the growing segment of unaffiliated voters· Allow candidates to focus all resources on one election· Reduces extreme partisanship allowing rational campaign and legislative discussion· Provides an opportunity for political parties to regain lost membership by having to appeal to a greater number of voters· Is advantageous to moderate / pragmatic candidates who would no longer have to appeal to party base in primary then struggle to return to their true positions in general election· Increases potential that once elected, lawmakers will maintain a more pragmatic approach as this will impact chances for re-election.· Addresses what Harvard Business School calls the biggest obstacle to economic progress and competitiveness· Where RCV/IRV is used, voter understanding and acceptance is over 85%
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