Letter from Dan Buttermann
The Common Sense Party
Voter registrations are changing quickly. Just five years ago, the Republican party registration outnumbered the no-party registration by 250,000. But in five short years, the no-party registrations have gone way up, and now outnumber the Republicans. The Democratic registration lost ground too. This is a significant change. What has not changed is the requirements for a no-party candidate to be on the ballot — a candidate must secure three times more petition signatures than a Democrat or Republican. So, although voter preferences are changing, evident by registration trends, the requirements to be on the ballot remain the same.
This trend is a signal to our political leaders that changes are needed to ensure candidates, no matter the party, get a fair shot at being on the ballot. Changes made in other states, such as open primaries, ranked choice voting and parity of signature requirements to be on the ballot, should all be considered.
I am running to represent the 122nd Assembly District, and will be on the ballot as a Democrat, but that is not enough. My goal is to represent everyone and to include as many people in the process before election day, so I will be passing an Independent Nominating petition as well — referred to as “Party for a Day.” This petition is often used by no-party candidates. The name of my party for the election is Common Sense. We need action on common sense solutions that address the problems of our generation, and in order to succeed we need more people engaged in the political process.
Dan Buttermann
Oneonta
each major city, of each state needs a contact…to help grow the common sense party. one of the things that should be a priority, is politician salaries and perks.
each major city, of each state needs a contact…to help grow the common sense party. one of the things that should be a priority, is politician salaries and perks.
Approval voting would allow as many candidates as decide to run to do so without there being any risk of vote splitting. The only change in the law required is to remove the rule that we can only mark one candidate on our ballots; with Approval we vote for ALL we approve of. That would neutralize the whole issue of spoilers and hopefully calm down the legislators making these unreasonable requirements for no-party candidates.
Electionscience.org to learn more about Approval voting and how easy of a reform it is.
Approval voting would allow as many candidates as decide to run to do so without there being any risk of vote splitting. The only change in the law required is to remove the rule that we can only mark one candidate on our ballots; with Approval we vote for ALL we approve of. That would neutralize the whole issue of spoilers and hopefully calm down the legislators making these unreasonable requirements for no-party candidates.
Electionscience.org to learn more about Approval voting and how easy of a reform it is.