The Fair Elections Fund--A Whole New Ball Game
This plan for publicly funded Federal elections links individual SSN IRS tax filers (apx. 145MM) who put $7.00 or more per year into the fund, and Registered Voters who vote (largely the same people), with candidates who fund their campaigns through this program only. It operates alongside independent First Amendment-protected campaign financing practices that do not use public funds. Rather than fundraising, prospective candidates obtain Supporting Signatures from thousands of Registered Voters in each jurisdiction--Congressional and Presidential elections--in order to qualify for the program. They pay a $5,000 enrollment fee and submit monthly expense reports that disclose how they spent the public's money. There is a mechanism for the public to contact these candidates with ideas and opinions. Candidates receive the same amount of money for every Registered Voter in each periodic distribution. A separate set of Electors vote in accordance with the 12th Amendment. Congressional "winners" may be removed from office for violating the rules or exceeding their allotted distributions.

5 comments
ROGER INVERARITY • about 13 years ago
Presumably the idea is to get good people with not a lot of money into public office. It looks good! Now all you have to do is get it into law!
Ellen Abels • about 13 years ago
Interesting idea, carefully thought out. Sounds like it could work. Ellen
Connie Diernisse • about 13 years ago
I support this idea 100%. CD
Harlan Johnson • about 13 years ago
I like what you submitted. I have also entered the competition. Check out my video. I hope to win. My entry proposes a practical step to bring about what your video seeks to accomplish - informed, involved voters - a LEVEL playing field.
My proposal requires no legislation. What do you think?
Here's my entry on Vimeo and Youtube
Elections Clarified
https://vimeo.com/64616892
[Youtiube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQZSII6C3-A
I hope to hear from you. Maybe we can work together in some way. Let's connect.
Claudia Davison • about 13 years ago
Mine is draft legislation, and several weeks ago I told my friend that I think these three entries complement each other and achieve the contest's goals:
Mine, #13841, Elections Clarified #14758, and Approval Voting #14935.
Best wishes.