It seems to me that American election politcs are getting crazier than usual. States are rushing to move their primaries up earlier in an attempt to get more favors or attention from candidates, and its turning into a free-for-all. I fear that eventually primaries will be held the first wednsday after the first monday in november.
Is there any way to fix this, or at least get it more ORGANIZED? Can they put a constitutional or legal barrier up to a 'no primaries may be earlier than X date?' America seems to be descending into perpetual election mindset, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.
US Elections and primaries
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CaptainChewbacca
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US Elections and primaries
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Right now there is a set cutoff date that says "no primaries before January". The problem is that Iowa and New Hampshire both have by-laws that basically state they will be the FIRST to have primaries, no matter what. Those by-laws have caused both states to move up their primaries on at least two occassions that I know of.
The Solution? One Nation-wide Primary, held the First week of March. No Sooner, No Later. Anyone who wants to hold their earlier will be ignored or treated like the Fancy StrawPoll that the Republicans spent $4mil on. OR, better yet, Results of those Primaries are kept secret until ALL states have conducted their primaries.
Personally, as someone in a May Primary State, I find it annoying and insulting that by the time May rolls around the media frenzy has already chosen the Front Runner and the candidate I preferred is already out of the race (see Howard Dean). As things stand now, Iowa and New Hampshire are the Voters with Power, and all other states are left without an option but sign off on the Candidate those two states have lauded.
So.. where is that 'Democratic Freedom to Chose', hmm? Where is my Right to Vote for Whom I Please? Not in the Current Primary System, that's for certain.
The Solution? One Nation-wide Primary, held the First week of March. No Sooner, No Later. Anyone who wants to hold their earlier will be ignored or treated like the Fancy StrawPoll that the Republicans spent $4mil on. OR, better yet, Results of those Primaries are kept secret until ALL states have conducted their primaries.
Personally, as someone in a May Primary State, I find it annoying and insulting that by the time May rolls around the media frenzy has already chosen the Front Runner and the candidate I preferred is already out of the race (see Howard Dean). As things stand now, Iowa and New Hampshire are the Voters with Power, and all other states are left without an option but sign off on the Candidate those two states have lauded.
So.. where is that 'Democratic Freedom to Chose', hmm? Where is my Right to Vote for Whom I Please? Not in the Current Primary System, that's for certain.
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General Zod
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Re: US Elections and primaries
This is the first time in awhile that we haven't had an incumbent running for President. It's understandable that they'd be somewhat crazy.CaptainChewbacca wrote:It seems to me that American election politcs are getting crazier than usual. States are rushing to move their primaries up earlier in an attempt to get more favors or attention from candidates, and its turning into a free-for-all. I fear that eventually primaries will be held the first wednsday after the first monday in november.
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Guardsman Bass
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It also would help if both parties would keep a rein on the states trying to jump the process, a la Florida and Michigan (the Democrats have tried; they've said that they will bar Florida's delegates from the National Convention).
How about a law requiring the state party conventions to declare a primary date for the next Presidential election at the time of the current one (so, for example, in 2008, the State Party would have to declare when they would be holding a primary in 2012), with all primary dates secret until all states have posted one? At the very least, it would help constrain the states from trying to jump the line (I'm looking at you, Florida).
How about a law requiring the state party conventions to declare a primary date for the next Presidential election at the time of the current one (so, for example, in 2008, the State Party would have to declare when they would be holding a primary in 2012), with all primary dates secret until all states have posted one? At the very least, it would help constrain the states from trying to jump the line (I'm looking at you, Florida).
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CaptainChewbacca
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Fogrive me for not knowing, but when did Florida move its primary TO?
Stuart: The only problem is, I'm losing track of which universe I'm in.
You kinda look like Jesus. With a lightsaber.- Peregrin Toker
You kinda look like Jesus. With a lightsaber.- Peregrin Toker