Reforming Elections in California

By Matthew Munson

This paper explains some solutions in how to make our elections process better. Fixing the elections system due to how Top 2 changed elections. Helping third parties in keeping their ballot qualified status, helping voters to attain information about candidates in the most affordable method possible by allowing candidates to submit their statements electronic only if desired.

Top 2 sadly limits voter choice and by the end of 2014, third parties will be extinct thanks to the proponents of Top 2. I would want to propose a way to keep third parties on the ballot with the spirit of Top 2. We may not see third parties in November elections regularly, but they should be allowed for presidential elections and the Top 2 primary.

Here are my suggestions:

Candidate filing would be the same as it is, but there would be a new system where political parties can file their candidate if NO candidate files for office. Political party filing would be another option so voters could have a choice during the Top 2 primary. Many donors and political parties are refusing to help pay filing fees because there is no guaranteed spot on the ballot anymore such as a Republican running in San Francisco or a Democratic Party candidate running in Temecula.

Minor political parties could also retain their ballot qualified status through new methods.

a. Half a percent of the vote via the Presidential election. Allows for the party to keep their ballot qualified status until the next presidential election.

b. 10 candidates for legislative office (state or federal) must receive 5 percent or better in the Top 2 primary.

c. Or 2 statewide candidates must receive 5 percent or better in the top 2 primary.

I suggest that there should be affordable means for candidates to communicate to the voters. With budget cuts, ballot statements are no longer being subsidized by the taxpayers and it is becoming difficult for candidates to communicate. In the Chaffey College District it costs over 10 thousand dollars for a ballot statement. I would add legislation to allow for county voters offices to have an online ballot statement option for a lower cost. It would allow for voters to view the ballot statement online on the county website and thru the digital election booklet.

I want to make it easier for candidates to get services for their campaigns across county lines. If you are running for a state legislative office that covers more than one county you should be able to buy ballot statements at your home county to save time instead of having to visit each of the offices.

I would like to see proportional representation in our state. Our state Assembly should have 20 extra members, there would be one rule. If the majority party has more than 60% of the legislature, they cannot receive any of these proportional representatives. 4 members would be assigned to each Board of Equalization district and nominated by state political parties. For State Assembly you would have a party vote and a district vote. The party vote helps determine how many representatives from each party get assigned from the BOE districts.

If given a chance to be your legislator I would appreciate the opportunity to be on the elections and constitutional amendments committee.