Keeping elections simple

[DEMOREP1 at aol.com]

Mr. Harper wrote in part-

The question is - is it better to reduce the number of candidates standing by
charging candidates for standing, or by having a method which isn't fully
independant from vote splitting problems? What should be aimed for in terms
of numbers of frivolous and serious candidates standing?
---
D- The U.S.A. has nominating petitions signed by Electors to reduce the 
number of candidates in major party primaries.

Signature requirements are circa 0.3 to 0.5 percent of the votes at the last 
election for the office involved.  

When there is an incumbent running again for the same office there are few 
candidates.