Liberal Party of Minnesota - Voter Bill of Rights

 

Ballot Access – We support the right of citizens to form and to associate with a political party.  We oppose harsh and draconian petitioning requirements that make it difficult to form a new political party and for new and independent candidates to be included on the election ballot. 

 

Clean Elections – We support transparent election laws and independent oversight therein.  We support partial public financing of partisan campaigns, if qualified candidates agree to certain limits (i.e. spending).    

 

Election Day – We support making Election Day a holiday, and making sure that the voting equipment is reliable.  

 

Electoral College – We support replacing the Electoral College with a direct, popular vote using Instant Runoff Voting.  As an interim measure we support ensuring that whoever wins the popular vote in a state is entitled to have his or her slate of Electors Vote, except in a State chooses to award votes proportionally.

 

Ex-Felons – We oppose life voting prohibition laws for ex-felons.  Citizens who have “paid their debt to society” should have their voting rights restored. 

 

Debate Access – We oppose the unfair exclusion of serious Independent and third party candidates from debates.   While we recognize the possibility that a debate could have “too many” candidates, we also believe that better ways exist, especially with the technological developments, to fairly address the issue then is currently being done. 

 

Instant Runoff Voting – We support allowing cities to adopt Instant Runoff Voting in their own elections.   If this is successful, then we support gradually using it in other elections. 

 

Proportional representation – We support allowing states entitled to elect multiple members of the United States House of Representatives, to elect said members using a legitimate form of proportional representation.    In a bi-cameral legislative body, we support one house using PR for its elections.

 

Statehood Issues – We support statehood for the District of Columbia.  We support allowing the people of Puerto Rico to decide their relationship with the United States through an Initiative & Referendum Process. 

 

Voting Rights Act – We support the full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.  We oppose voter intimidation, fraud and disenfranchisement of citizens.  The right of citizens to vote (including voter registration) on the Election Day should be enshrined in the United States Constitution