Ballot Access Law [debating]

[Bacon King]

Ballot Access Law

1. For single seat elections to federal office, each major political party shall receive one ballot spot.
2. It is up to each major political party to decide how to choose the candidate that receives that party's ballot spot.
3. Independents and minor party candidates are eligible for ballot access if they receive at least five signatures from voters eligible to vote in the election the candidate is running in.

Sponsor: Napoleon
Bill Slot: 7 (forum affairs)

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

I don't see the point in requiring candidates to get signatures just to appear on the ballot...it seems...undemocratic. I believe all candidates should be given equal opportunities to appear on ballots in Atlasia.

[TJ in Wisco]

I'm opposed to the third point as well. Since we have IRV voting it really doesn't matter if independents are on the ballot. It seems to run contrary to the point of having IRV voting.

[President Marokai]

This would be a mess, and seems completely unnecessary.

[Jayhawker]

I would be more likely to back this if we had a multi-party system, and perhaps it should be brought forth again if the dissolution efforts are successful. But until then, I'm not too big on then. You could easily get around this if someone else in your party had the "nomination" by switching to Independent and then obtaining the signatures.

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

Motion to table?

[Junkie]

I think I like the idea behind the bill, which is to force a primary for the parties.  However, this bill may make it harder for independents and small parties.  People should be able to run.  Maybe either make it so that each major party is allowed only one candidate to run under its banner officially (but others can run on their own without having a petition) OR don't do it through a law and have each party adopt its own bylaws to force primaries.

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

I think I like the idea behind the bill, which is to force a primary for the parties.  However, this bill may make it harder for independents and small parties.  People should be able to run.  Maybe either make it so that each major party is allowed only one candidate to run under its banner officially (but others can run on their own without having a petition) OR don't do it through a law and have each party adopt its own bylaws to force primaries.

Yeah, basically this.

[Bacon King]

Motion to table?

Senators, there is now a motion to table this legislation. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.

[TJ in Wisco]

Nay

I would not support it as-in, but I do think the first two items may be a good idea to implement. I do not see this legislation as irredeemably flawed.

[Senator Napoleon]

Nay

[MOPolitico]

Nay

Like TJ, I believe that the first two sections are worthy of being passed. I just don't think that independents and minor parties should have to fight to be on the ballot, especially since independent and minor party candidates aren't exactly abundant.

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

But couldn't it be argued, as Junkie said, that the first two provisions could be implemented at the party level?

[Junkie]

Nay

[bgwah]

nay

[Senator Napoleon]

No, 20RP12, it could not be done at the party level.

[Bacon King]

Motion to table has failed, debate on the bill resumes.

[bgwah]

While I'm fine having a debate on this, it would make more sense to me to wait until the dissolution passes or fails to do too much tinkering with party-related laws.

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

No, 20RP12, it could not be done at the party level.

Why not?

[asexual trans victimologist]

Why is this law necessary?

[Senator Napoleon]

No, 20RP12, it could not be done at the party level.

Why not?

How can parties limit a federal ballot?

[Junkie]

No, 20RP12, it could not be done at the party level.

Why not?

Each party can establish a bylaw that states it will only allow one individual to run as its official candidate and then can establish a method be it primary, or whatever, to make that choice.

How can parties limit a federal ballot?

[Diabolical Minds Think Alike]

No, 20RP12, it could not be done at the party level.

Why not?

How can parties limit a federal ballot?

Each party can establish a bylaw that states it will only allow one individual to run as its official candidate and then can establish a method be it primary, or whatever, to make that choice.

[Senator Napoleon]

That would make it optional, why would each party choose to limit itself?

[Junkie]

That would make it optional, why would each party choose to limit itself?

Because the realize that primaries are a good idea OR an at least more likely it is good strategy for a party to have only one candidate or ticket (except of course in at-large senate and regional assembly races)