Elections

From BeyondVoting

One wikier recently commented:

"...you call your project BeyondVoting, and yet one thing I keep thinking ... is that the community boards will never be truly empowered nor democratic until its members are elected directly by the People. The city gov't should draw it's authority from the community board rather then the other way around."

A commonly expressed and reasonable thought; and surely, ultimate control of the society's rules and regulations should reside in the people through a democratic governance process "We hold this truth to be self evident..." But how important are community board elections to improving local governance? And would the election of community board members improve the governance process?

When considering appointed vs. elected members, here are some traditional arguments. First, the positives for ELECTIONS:

• The election of board members would make them more accountable to the public.
• An elected board is responsive to the community and is directly responsible to the voters.
• An elected board creates a sense of closeness between the people and the board that may not be possible with an appointed board.
• An election campaign can generate discussion of issues and provide an opportunity for the public to directly affect policy discussions.
• Public interest in the community matters is increased when people have a direct vote in the selection of the school district's governing body.
• Elected board members owe no allegiance to any government official.

And the advantages of APPOINTMENTS:

• Appointed boards are accountable to the elected governing body, which is ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the government.
• With appointment an honor, the selection process produces members who are highly qualified and have the proper motives.
• The rigors and costs of campaigning might be significant deterrents to qualified people who would otherwise be willing to serve.
• The appointment of board members helps ensure a harmonious working relationship with the council, borough president, and mayor.
• Appointed members may be less likely to be influenced by special-interest groups who can turn an election into a "referendum" on a single issue.
• Appointed members may generate less community controversy because they are less likely to develop divisive issues in a re-election campaign.

Applying these general considerations to the community boards, consider the following:

• Those who currently appoint the members (Borough Presidents and City Council Members) are elected and accountable through the election process. Perhaps more transparent recording of member activities (attendance, votes, initiatives, responsiveness, etc.), and of who was appointed by whom would make both appointee and appointor activities more accountable.
• The experience with appointed vs. elected judges has many convinced that independence from the election process is beneficial.
• Citizen Juries - Perhaps community boards might be thought of as groups of non-expert residents who gather to evaluate issues facing society. For more information on citizen juries and other techniques that might aide in an election discussion see the new tools of democracy section.

Appointment, election, and other options:

• Appointment by elected Borough President and City Council members (current system).
• Public selection through traditional popular elections.
• Public selection through online elections. (For background on an online election held in 2001, see this site.)
• A combination of appointments and online elections.
• Other (Wikiers, get creative).

But if elections are preferable, what methods can we consider for filling the seats? Here are some considerations:

• Districts - What boundaries? Or are members elected at-large? Or a combination (as the City Council once was)?
• Representativeness - How can we assure that all segments of the community are fairly represented?
• Costs - What budget is needed to operate a traditional voting process? What would online elections cost? Comparison Chart: traditional vs. online election expenses. What remuneration for winners: Is $1 or $500 the proper amount?
• Campaign Expenditures - How much can be spent? On what? Who can contribute? During what period?
• Timing - What initiates an election cycle?
• Quality of Applicants - What types of candidates will choose not to participate in an election vs. appointment process?
• Qualifications - Is there an age or residency requirement to run for office?
• How many members should be on an elected Board?
• How many residents can a member represent?
  • As per 1787 U.S. Constitution, Congress members should represent "no more than 30,000 people." Since 1910 the number in congress has been set at 435 members. In 2004 each house member represents 650,000 people.
• Who may vote in an election?
• What is the term of office?
• Are there term limits?
• Who conducts the election?
• How does one get on the ballot - Election nomination / seconding / petitions?
• Partisan or no-partisan elections?

The BeyondVoting Wiki

- key pages -

Preface - what's a wiki?

BeyondVoting - overview

Opportunities for Change - summary of possibilities

New Tools for Democracy - plugging Plato into the net

Impact on Existing Institutions - from local civics to city hall