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A Libertarian ballot alternative: None of the above

As I was watching both the most recent Democratic and Republican debates, I was struck by the thought that none of these people on either side really impress me. I agree or disagree with this view or that, but I am looking for someone--anyone--who actually looks and acts like h/she could be president and command respect, and....

I just don't see it.

Yet our system is going to throw up two of them eventually, and I'll have to (A) choose between them; (B) waste my vote on a third-party "protest"; or (C) stay home.

Worse, this happens at every level, down to local and state elections. It IS becoming true that the best people don't want much connection with Demopublican politics.

So what to do?

I think I'm in favor of a constitutional amendment allowing me to vote for "None of the above." Not quite sure how to word it yet, but let's start with the idea that if NOTA receives a majority, there has to be another election within a month, and all of the previous candidates are legally barred from the ballot. If NOTA receives a plurality, then there is still another election, but the original candidates can stay on the ballot if they so desire.

If NOTA secures either a majority through two iterations or a plurality through three, then we just leave the office vacant for the next term and see if anybody notices.

I know that sounds ridiculous, but with Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter we essentially did that between Nixon's resignation and Reagan's inauguration. People noticed, but they really didn't pay attention to either president; nor did much of the rest of the world, that lame Camp David thing notwithstanding.

And think of it on the local level: could a few years of no senator at all be worse than being represented by Thurman Adams?
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I my recollection is correct, NotA has won most recent elections. Those who stay home are all NotA voters in my book.
December 13, 2007 at 8:41 AM
Steven H. Newton said…
Good point. I think we should build in registered voters who do not vote as NOTA. But would that mean that those who actually go to the polls to vote NOTA get counted twice?

I could live with that.
December 13, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Brian Shields said…
I would vote none of the above... shoot, there are positions that are elected and no one knows what they do.
December 13, 2007 at 9:28 PM
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