Roughly 16,000 people voted in my county’s primary elections last week. Monroe County has more than 700,000 people in it. About half of them are voting age.
Just about every county in New York is dominated by one party or the other. Most seats in my county don't have races on both sides of the aisle. So those 16,000 or so people have decided who most of our leaders are.
I can't be the only one who sees this as a problem. I of course have some ideas but for now I'll focus on one.
Off year elections suck. They're counterproductive. Let's end them.
At least three thoughtful, politically active people, I know plum forgot, that the primaries were happening. That's with countless flyers, door knocking and early voting. Add the fact that New York State foolishly moved our primaries from September, where they were traditionally to June a few years ago.
My answer: We should line up local, regional, and state elections nationwide. With the notable exception of presidential primaries which are their own beast.
Yes, I know we’d have to adapt some terms in office in the process which would be messy but I think the greater good is worth it.
Habits matter. Let's build a new one.
But I'm not expecting any true reform any time soon.
Because that's like asking birds to swim.
It's dangerous for their health.
If I learned anything while covering local news it's that incumbents don't like more democracy. It would take politicians deciding to give up an obvious advantage. The last thing they want is more competition.
Afterall, the fewer voters there are, the less people you have to convince to vote for you.
Reach me at James@rochesteraccent.com or jamesbrowntv@gmail.com. Or leave me a message at 1-585-484-0339
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