Mass. election confusion - Page 2

Stylerod · 11-07-2006, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by 7960

Yes, I should be able to. But if I change my party then I'm not longer the former party's candidate.

So did we figure out that a candidate can be on a ballot more than once? That just doesn't seem right.

7960 · 11-07-2006, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by Stylerod

So did we figure out that a candidate can be on a ballot more than once? That just doesn't seem right.

If #2 passes then yes, they'll be on the ballot more than once in Massachusetts (7 states already allow it, NY being one).

I recinded my approval for #2 for that reason alone. I think the rest of the question is good, but the confusion that "fusion voting" will create (IMO) is not worth the price.

7960 · 11-07-2006, 10:17 AM

Here's the example they gave... Candidate X is (R) and Mr Smith is running as a (D) but he also wants recognition from the "I love baby whales" crowd so he has himself listed on their party as well. So the ballot would look like this:

Candidate X (R)
Mr Smith (D)
Mr Smith (I love baby whales)

X gets 48%. Smith (D) gets 40% and Smith (I love baby whales) get 10%. Smith wins 50% to X's 48%.

Fuck that...the rest of the stuff on the ballot is good but that alone is makes it worth a no vote.

Stylerod · 11-07-2006, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by 7960

Here's the example they gave... Candidate X is (R) and Mr Smith is running as a (D) but he also wants recognition from the "I love baby whales" crowd so he has himself listed on their party as well. So the ballot would look like this:

Candidate X (R)
Mr Smith (D)
Mr Smith (I love baby whales)

X gets 48%. Smith (D) gets 40% and Smith (I love baby whales) get 10%. Smith wins 50% to X's 48%.

Fuck that...the rest of the stuff on the ballot is good but that alone is makes it worth a no vote.

Diesel66 · 11-07-2006, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by 7960

I'm running as Libertarian but don't get the nod from the party. A week later, before the ballots are printed, I switch to Green and they nominate me. Under current rules I would have to wait a year before running as a Green candidate. I'm not saying I should be able to jump to a party that's already got a nominee. But if they don't, why can't I switch and try to get their backing and run under their name?

jumping parties in the middle of an election is pretty bs. Go independent if you want to run.