VOICE OF THE MAJORITY

Hey everyone, we need your help!
This is the brainchild of Dave Vane
(from Baltimore) and Joni spilled over from
another thread:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3716

It seems as though the DNC has assemble a commitee to review the
Democratic Primary process and suggest potential reforms. And guess
what, their asking for suggestions! (We must have a guy on the
inside or somethin')

We decided to draft a potential petition/resolution to make our
positions clear to this commitee. Special thanks to NaderRider for
digging up a quote of Howard Dean's which lays it all out in plain
english.

What we need is your ideas and suggestions for:

A) What it should say?
B) What we should do with it? Should we seek official DFA
endorsement or try to set up a web-petition with a little help from
our friends?

Please review the following rough draft and PLEASE jump in and help!

A National Commission to Strengthen American Democracy. There are
many other important ideas to explore. I would establish a
commission of ordinary Americans-not politicians-to consider such
cutting edge ideas as instant runoff voting, Internet voting,
nonpartisan primaries, an Election Day holiday and abolition of the
Electoral College. American patriots established our democracy and
American patriots can reinvigorate it." - Howard Dean

As the Democratic party moves forward in the 21st century, it is
essential that America also have a 21st century democracy. The above
statements by Chairman Dean exemplify the type of leadership that
Democrats expect on the issue of electoral reform. The primary
process of the Democratic party is undoubtedly the precise place to
begin these next steps toward a stronger democracy. This is why the
Progressives of America are asking the commission to join us in
leading by example in endorsing the following reforms to our primary
process.

1. Same Day National Primary Election. In our democracy it is
not only important that every vote count but also that every vote is
equal. No state's voters should have more influence on an election
than another's; this is why we are endorsing a Same Day National
Primary Election.
2. Instant Runoff Voting. Voting for the "lesser of two evils"
spoils our democracy and everyone loses. Instant Runoff Voting is
the best way that every voice can be heard when Americans enter the
polls. A democracy in which voters vote their hopes and hearts
instead of their fears is a strong democracy.
3. Internet Voting. We must bring democracy to more people in
more ways. The 21st century presents us with new and exciting ways
to involve people in our electoral process; we should lead the way.
4. Nonpartisan Access. The success of Democratic party
candidates depends on the support of independent voters. It's time
they had a seat at the table.
5. Holiday Election. We support the elevation of Election Day
to a national holiday. We believe that the Democratic party should
lead the way by holding its National Primary Election on Memorial
Day.

In closing, we stand behind the belief that a stronger democracy is
the first step toward a stronger America. The Democratic party has
always been the party of inclusion and involvement; it's time we
live up to our namesake on this key issue.

We must act fast on this! The commitee convenes on May 14th to
review the proposals!

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Sunday, May 08, 2005