[EM] Conceiving a Democratic Electoral Process

[Fred Gohlke]

Good Afternoon, Juho

re: "... being able to influence through the chain of electors
      offers a useful communication / influence channel between
      the bottom level voters and their representatives."

It also gives the people meaningful participation in the political 
process, way beyond voting for candidates controlled by political parties.


re: "We should have some practical experiments with different
      rules and in different societies to see how people feel
      about this kind of indirect representation."

My guess is that the best way to test the process will come when a small 
community adopts it.  One of my sons suggested the Little League - a 
league for children's baseball in communities throughout the U. S. - 
would be an excellent proving ground.

Little League organizations are a hotbed of political intrigue.  Parents 
fight hard for their children, trying to influence the choice of team 
managers, which children will play and for how long in each game, which 
children will get to play in the All-Star games, and so forth.  In 
addition, there's no shortage of potential for chicanery in the disposal 
of funds.  Frankly, I think it would be a great test; the relationships 
are up-close, personal and intense.


re: "One quite technical approach would be to arrange a separate
      proportional election ... on which questions to present."

This makes an excellent point:  In my June 23rd post, I pointed out, 
"Voting for choices defined by political parties creates an illusion of 
power but is a sign of great weakness."  The hallmark of democracy is 
the ability to decide what issues are important to our community - 
whether as you describe here or in some other manner.


re: "One possible simpler model would be to allow different
      interest groups each set one or two questions."

What would you think of letting interest groups (or parties) select 
their most effective advocates to compete with other candidates for 
public office?  The party candidates can proclaim their ideas and 
encourage discussion of their concepts.  Some of their ideas will be 
accepted, in whole or in part, as they are shown to be in the common 
interest of the community.

Fred