New York Times Columnist Says Minor Party and Independent Candidates Improve U.S. Elections
November 2nd, 2009The New York Times has this column by Ross Douthat, one of the Times regular columnists. He argues that the U.S. election system works better when minor party and independent candidates participate. Thanks to Oliver Hall for the link.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
What makes the special election in CD 23 better is the participation of multiple viable candidates. The participation of the political parties in that election have been an embarrassment to all.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Having a political party next to a candidate’s name on a ballot must mean something – if not, why do Washington ballots go as far as to say “Prefers Party”? Why is California proposing ballots with partisan indicators?
Political association is a natural part of the democratic process.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
[...] to Ballot Access News for the [...]
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
#2 Political bosses, from precinct chairmen on up, like to assert control over the political process. Their model of political association is rigid and top down. If they could dictate how people could vote they would. They take the next best option which is to try and control who the people may vote for.