Incorporating National Issue Generation with Range Voting Practices

Incorporating National Issue Generation with Range Voting Practices

Abstract

In the harsh political landscape of 2011, elected representatives’ approvals are dropping to an all-time low. A CBS/NYT poll shows that approval ratings for Congress dropped into single digits this month for the first time in three decades. How can the United States claim to be the role-model for other emerging democracies with this type of constituent disenfranchisement? In this paper I will examine some of the reasons for low voter turnout. I will further present a model that suggests a more positive outcome to voter satisfaction while being a holistic voice for issues that really matter to voters. The model will examine attributes of range voting which may offer voters a more expressive preference for the candidate through using varying strength. Finally, the conclusion provides an opportunity for a potential future which actively engages the general public through an effective voting process.

I. Introduction

In the harsh political landscape of 2011, elected representatives’ approvals are at an all-time low. A CBS/NYT poll showed that approval ratings for Congress dropped into single digits this month for the first time in three decades (Madison 2011). From a voting public perspective, the barrier of trust with constituents is breeched by never ending political bickering. The congressional disapproval is not confined to just one political party: more than four out of five Republicans, Democrats, and Independents (83 percent, 83 percent, and 85 percent, respectively) responding to this poll disapprove of the job Congress is doing (Madison 2011). Identity politics may have recently increased voter turnout, but based on the group polarization, which creates a negative political effect, the traditional two party systems is showing signs of stress. How can a country claim to be the role-model for other emerging democracies when their citizens are declining to embrace the most...