FT 3-03: Electoral Procedures Act

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

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Order! I call the Prime Minister.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

My thanks to the Speaker.

The purpose of this legislation, stated plainly enough in the description, is to formally establish in written law the rules by which our elections are conducted, counted, and decided. At present, many of the tasks addressed here are left entirely to the discretion of the elections administrator; and while this has not proved a problem as yet, in the event of a controversy it is always preferable to have the ability to reference the impartial and objective judgement of the law.

Sections 5, 6, and 7 are of particular importance, because - as almost became relevant last weekend - Fremont has no established procedure for the resolution of ties. This bill would correct that oversight by establishing the following series of "tiebreakers:"

(1) Greatest number of first preferences
(2) Greatest number of overall preferences (1s, 2s, etc.)
(3) Runoff
(4) Vote of Parliament

I realize electoral law is not the lightest or most interesting of topics, but I urge my colleagues to read this text thoroughly and completely. As those who lived through the nightmare of October 2016 will know, passing an ill-conceived elections law can have disastrous results, and I would hate to see my region suffer thus. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

I rise in support of this bill. Clarity is of the utmost importance in electoral law, and it is absolutely necessary that Fremont establishes a procedure to deal with ties. Establishing 4 separate tiebreakers will surely resolve any ties that may occur, making these tiebreakers a success. I also believe that it is important for electoral law to be codified rather than based on individual judgment.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Bump.

Does anyone besides Henry or me have an opinion of this? Because while I'm sure we would both be happy to serve as de facto co-dictators of Fremont, I'm not sure that's would be a good thing for the region in the long run.

[RFayette]

I support this act as it all seems reasonable and for the benefit of Fremont.  No concerns here.

[Fmr. Representative Encke]

Not sure if I'm supposed to comment here, since I'm not a citizen of Fremont, but anyway:

I'd recommend using the droop quota to maintain consistency with the House elections
(1+floor(totalvotes/(seats+1)), as opposed to floor(totalvotes/(seats+1))).

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Right, I move for a final vote.

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Members shall have 24 hours to object to the motion moved by the Prime Minister.

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

The motion is agreed to. The question is now that the bill be passed. Members shall vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain. Voting shall last for 72 hours or until all members have voted.
Division!

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Aye

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

AYE

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

With 2 votes in favor, 0 votes in opposition, and 2 members not voting, the question is resolved in the affirmative. This piece of legislation has been adopted.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

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While I'm happy the bill has passed, I will also register my disappointment that only one Member of Parliament apart from myself bothered to vote on this measure. I take full responsibility for my recent absence, which meant I was not around to remind people as I normally do; that said, the PM taking an unplanned leave of two days should not result in most of the parliament following suit, especially when keeping up with business is as simple as checking the links in the noticeboard every other day. My thanks to Henry for actually doing his job here.