Changes needed to make elections fair

With the midterm election scheduled for this November, I think of how different they could be if some changes where made to the system.

It seems to me that too often we don’t get the people we want in office. Too often the incumbent gets the voters he/she wants instead of the voter getting the choice he/she wants.

There are a couple of reasons for this situation which could be changed.

Gerrymandering. This process should be put in the hands of independent councils instead of the incumbent party in power. The present process ensures the dominant party in power arranges voting districts to give them an advantage in elections to the disadvantage of voters.

PACs. These Political Action Committees are organized to raise money for a particular candidate. Donors are unknown to the general public.

Why not do away with them and allow donors to donate directly to their choice of candidate publicly. Better for voters to know who is influencing what politician.

Primaries. Most states have party-aligned primaries, which makes it difficult for many voters. If there was one general primary listing candidates of all parties on the ballot the voter would have a clear choice of selecting the one they think best regardless of party affiliation.

Should these changes be made? Could they happen? Maybe not because the people who would make it happen are those in power right now. It may go against their interests to change the status quo. After all it seems too many politicians have one driving interest. Getting reelected. If you don’t believe it, just look at the present Congress. Afraid they will not get reelected if they speak their mind publicly about the present administration. Enough said.

James Wengerd

Plainfield