Monday, September 27, 2010

Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights

Los Angeles Bill of Rights

1. Voters should have the right to elect a government of, by and for the people – not special interests – by moving to Voter-Owned Elections.

As long as city candidates have to raise money from private interests to run for office, we will always have politicians who are more responsive to special interests than constituents. It’s time to open the door to Voter‐Owned Elections. Without taking one extra dime from the General Fund beyond those already dedicated, we call on L.A. to remove the cap and grow the Trust Fund to allow us to adopt a more robust campaign finance system in the future.

2. Voters should have the right to convenient voting through their choice of Neighborhood Vote Centers or ballots mailed directly to their residences.

Voter participation in Los Angeles city elections is appallingly low. It’s time to remove the barriers to convenient voting by giving people broader access to the ballot. Starting with special elections, we call on Los Angeles to set up Neighborhood Vote Centers and automatically mail ballots to voters, thus giving Angelenos a choice of when and how we cast our ballot. The added convenience will also save tax dollars spent on administering elections.

3. Voters should have the right to a quick and efficient election through Ranked Choice Voting.

Voters are tired and often confused by the number of elections the City holds. To save the City money and constituents time, voters should have only one regular city election per year. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) gives accurate results without requiring the two separate city elections we often have now – a city primary election and a city general election. Voters will have their voices heard and Los Angeles should see greater voter participation. Any savings from reduced matching funds can be applied toward improving the City’s campaign finance system.

4. Voters should have the right to register and vote on Election Day.

No eligible citizen should be turned away from voting. If a citizen is eligible to vote and can be verified, he/she should be able to register and cast a ballot on Election Day at designated Neighborhood Vote Centers. We call on the City to support County and State efforts to further enfranchise its electorate.

We, the undersigned, hereby endorse this L.A. Voters’ Bill of Rights.