ADVOCATING A MULTIVOTE SYSTEM (MVS) FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORM
There are two basic political ideologies in our country that made sense when they were formulated two and a half centuries ago, but which make no common sense today.
They are:
- One man, one vote.
- Representational Government.
One Man - Multiple Votes
An example of why a multiple vote system (MVS) should be implemented
As it stands now any 18 year old can cancel out a more experienced elder’s vote at the ballot box if he/she so chooses.
Lets take a senior citizen: Well educated. Has spent at least twenty one years mastering a craft or business profession. Married with children, and has faithfully executed his/her duties as a husband/wife, father/mother, while improving the family estate as the children grow up. Has spent at least one year abroad getting to know one or more other cultures. Has spent ten years as a part-time volunteer in community work
Though every human being has the right to vote in a democracy, it stands to reason that the 18 year old vote does not equal the quality of the senior’s vote.
Since there are many more inexperienced voters than there are elders, and who consequently have the majority say in government should they so choose, what does the future portend? As far as I can see, the political disarray of the moment that is a major cause for voter apathy, can only continue unless some form of change takes place and which puts much of the decision-making, especially in foreign relations, in the hands of more experienced voters.
One more important human rights point on this before I make my proposal for mass change.
Every person has an undisputed right to one vote. Why are the rights of children excluded? From birth (even in the womb) they are immediately and directly affected by political decisions the nation makes. It stands to reason that their parents, who have taken on the burden of raising new citizens, should be given the regency to execute their rights at the ballot box as they see fit until the children come of age.
I therefore propose a multiple vote system. (MVS)
Vote 1. Registered at birth and administered by parents until 18.
Vote 2. After graduating high school or completing a trade apprenticeship.
Vote 3. Advanced degree from a recognized educational facility
Vote 4. At Age 42, after 21 years of full time occupation mastering a trade or profession.
vote 5. Sustained marriage and parenthood till the youngest child is at least 14.
Vote 6. At least 1 year international experience serving abroad.
Vote 7. Ten years volunteer community service.
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Congress
It no longer takes a man a week or more to ride to Washington to represent a congressional district. We have an instantaneous mass communication system. Every local or national issue can be thoroughly investigated and aired. With our votes only an electronic click away every single one of us can fully represent ourselves and our views.
I propose that the House of Congress be turned into a political museum
Political Parties
Without a Congress the party system becomes passe. (The end of the serious crisis this system has created by dividing the country into red and blue states)
Senate
Some form of national deliberating body should remain in place as a center of national attention.
Personal qualifications for election to the Senate
- Minimum age 65. (The word senator, denotes senior)
- Gender equality: Same amount of male and female senators
- Holder of 7 votes.
Two/thirds majority vote required on national and international proposals
Presidency
Mainly ceremonial. Power to cast deciding vote.
I believe that these common sense political changes will motivate the democratic system and end the current voter apathy. It will also get rid of the deadlock created by aposing extremists in the two party system - not to mention. pork barrelling and special interest influences.
A Senate of internationally experienced elders will ensure that our world leadership role gets our planet mangement responsibilities up to full steam.