Proportional Representation

Written by Wes Upchurch, Candidate

Tuesday, 12 August 2008 12:29

Where do I stand?

More than two parties are represented in Missouri. In fact, the state does recognize the Libertarian Party, for the part of the people has received enough recognition from you, the voter. This forces the state to include the party on the ballot. However, your selection of a Libertarian candidate is greatly minimized based on the ‘plurality takes all’ system.

Though not directly a Secretary of State issue, it is my belief that the current system forces the under representation of women, people of color, the young, and citizens who survive in our society in the lower economic divisions.

How does this become an issue to be discussed here? The Missouri SoS is responsible for Free and Open Elections and, therefore, the proper representation of the voter in the state legislature.

But there is a solution.

The Fix: I propose that the state House of Representatives divids its seats in proportion to the votes that each party receives. For example, in 2004 the Libertarian Party received a total of five percent of the vote in the state; therefore, the state House should reflect the wants of the citizen and reserve five percent of the seats for a Libertarian representative.
In addition presidential electors should be awarded in proportion to the presidential election totals.

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