StudioGlyphic

As is evident from the last decade or two of American politics, our system of choosing representatives has resulted in partisan warfare and corruption by special interests. Both major parties are guilty, and the solution does not lie in electing one party over another, but rather in changing the framework within which they operate. Three reforms could completely change politics as we have to come to know it.

1. An end to gerrymandering. The tradition of redistricting usually results in enclaves of majority Democratic or Republican support, resulting in an unconstructive polarization of our political bodies, since "moderate" candidates tend to lose to partisans. Unfortunately, I don't have a good solution worked out just yet.

2. Open primaries. Closed primaries don't reflect the choices of the people; instead, they reflect the choices of party loyalists and partisans. Furthermore, they reinforce the two-party system to the detriment of other points of view. An open primary would pit all candidates of all parties against one another. The top two chosen by all the people would then go on to the general election for a face-off.

The California recall election is the closest thing we have had to an open primary. Arnold clearly earned the most votes, but his stated views on gay marriage and abortion rights would have alienated many conservative voters in a closed primary, preventing him from entering a traditional general election at all. The key difference between an open primary system and the recall election would be that voters would be able to first vote their conscience and then vote for the lesser of two evils. Presumably more signatures would also be required to earn a spot on the ballot.

3. Public financing of campaigns. Money buys advertising. Advertising sways voters. Money wins elections. Money also makes politicians accountable to donors. Big tax cuts, deregulation of key markets, slackening environmental controls—perhaps these aren't a direct result of campaign contributions, but shouldn't we ensure that even the appearance of catering to special interests is removed from the system?

It's not enough to restrict campaign contributions; elections should be about issues, not ubiquitous advertising. Spending limits would allow all candidates to compete on equal footing. A ban on advertising coupled with allocations of time on the public airwaves would also level the playing field. Imagine a system in which candidates running for office are given the 7:50 - 7:55 PM time slot on all broadcast stations once every two weeks for free (they'd have to pay for the production and distribution of these segments, but not the broadcast).

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If this is what is needed to change the tone of politics, to whom should we look to initiate these changes? Possibly outspoken critics of the process such as Senators McCain and Feingold or outsiders such as Nader. But these men will not be able to do anything until the public speaks in favor of reform. Write to your representative. Write to your Senator. Write to your Assembly Member. Write to your State Senator. Talk to your friends and neighbors about politics. Drum up support for change. Blog it.