My Election Endorsements [Los Angeles / San Gabriel Valley Area]

[rampling]

OK, it's been a long time since I posted, but I just finished writing up my voting homework, so I'm doing my traditional thing and posting it here. Gawwwwwd, I miss those lovely detailed LA Weekly Endorsements and their pinchy-nose guy!!! Most sites don't 'splain their endorsements any more, 'cept for the LA Times. *sigh

Comments

[wcg]

I gather that work means work at your regular job, and not working the polls, right? (Yay for regular job!)

Our primary here in MD doesn't happen until September. I'll be doing the Chief Election Judge thing again.

[rampling]

Yeah, am working Full Time and more at my 'regular job'. Feels a bit funny to not be working the polls this time, though! I'll definitely give 'em a bit of an inspection when I stop by later to vote myself. ;)

[wcg]

Good. Here's hoping the election goes the way you're hoping it will.

[queerbychoice]

Please don't vote for Prop 14! As the article you linked to about it says, it "would lead to the election of more moderate lawmakers." In California, where only 31% of registered voters are registered as Republicans, the election of more partisan lawmakers usually means the election of more left-wing lawmakers. Surely you would prefer more left-wing lawmakers?

In addition, Prop 14 would make it almost impossible for any minor-party candidates to get onto the final ballot. Left-wing voters are typically more inclined than right-wing voters to just stay home and not bother voting at all if they don't like any of the candidates on the ballot for the major races. Having extra choices such as minor-party candidates on the ballot helps lure those voters to the polls, which then leads them to vote on state propositions and other races, which tends to benefit the more left-wing positions. Prop 14 would cause more of those left-wing voters to stay home.

[rampling]

You're correct, of course I would prefer more left-wing lawmakers.

However, I see having fewer minor-party candidates on the final ballot as being compensated for by them being considered by the full electorate on the first ballot. I do like the idea that I could vote all dem, except for two greens (or whatever combo) in a primary election.

I do like the idea, the potential, that voters could possibly have more say as to who they want to vote for early in the process than their political party would.

I do see the downside (obviously) that this process may select for more moderates. I'd rather scrap all this stupidity and get Instant Runoff Voting. Oh well.

[queerbychoice]

But you wouldn't be able to vote for the minor parties in the primaries either, because their inability to make it to the final elections would likely kill them off entirely. The Green Party's own commentary (in their Green Voter Guide, pages one and six) explains why "in reality it would almost certainly kill off all other political parties except the Democrats and the Republicans."

[rampling]

Hmmm, that Green Voter Guide makes some scary points, with actual data to back it up. I'll think some more (and go attend a meeting now), and come back and think some more.

Thanks for the thought food!

[rampling]

I think Prop 14 is hated by all political parties, including the Dems. Check out the last grouping by political party at http://californiachoices.org/ballot-measures/endorsements .

I'm not fully convinced Prop 14 will improve things, but I do find the idea intriguing enough to give it a go. This one was tough for me to decide on.

[rampling]

OK, I've officially flip-flopped. Between you and queerbychoice, you got me!

[queerbychoice]

Yay!!!

[unbeliever64]

*POKE* *POKE*

Post more often. :)

You just had Prop 8 overturned, fer crissakes... ;)

-- Unbe