Preamble

The Nationalist Party is deeply committed to revitalizing American democracy through reforms that enhance the transparency, fairness, and inclusivity of our electoral process. Our policy aims to empower citizens, ensure election integrity, reduce political polarization, and create a government that is more accountable to the people. By addressing critical areas such as voter participation, election integrity, candidate selection, voting systems, and congressional representation, we believe we can restore faith in our democratic institutions and strengthen the bond between the American people and their government.

 

Mandatory Voting

Objective: To ensure that the electoral process reflects the will of the entire electorate, rather than a subset of motivated voters, by making voting a civic duty for all eligible citizens.

Key Principles:

• Civic Responsibility: Just as jury duty and paying taxes are obligations of citizenship, voting should be considered a civic duty essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy.

• Increased Voter Turnout: Mandatory voting aims to achieve near-universal voter participation, ensuring that election outcomes are more representative of the entire population.

• Minimization of Extremism: Higher voter turnout reduces the influence of extreme views, leading to more moderate and broadly acceptable outcomes.

Implementation:

• Eligibility and Requirement: All eligible citizens must participate in federal elections. Exceptions will be made for those unable to vote due to valid reasons such as illness, disability, or religious observance.

• Enforcement Mechanism: Non-voters will face a nominal fine (e.g., $50) or the option of completing community service. Provisions will be made for those facing financial hardship.

• Voter Education: A comprehensive voter education program will be launched to inform citizens about their civic duty and the mechanics of the electoral process. This includes public campaigns, school curricula, and accessible information in multiple languages.

• Voting Accessibility: To facilitate compliance, voting will be made as accessible as possible, with options including early voting, mail-in ballots, and election day as a national holiday. Voting centers will be equipped to accommodate people with disabilities, and mobile voting stations will serve remote and underserved areas.

 

Voter ID Requirements for Election Integrity

Objective: To ensure the integrity of elections by implementing secure and accessible voter identification requirements that prevent fraud while protecting the right to vote.

Key Principles:

• Election Security: Robust voter ID laws are necessary to prevent impersonation, double voting, and other forms of electoral fraud, thereby ensuring that every vote cast is legitimate.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: While ensuring security, the process of obtaining a voter ID must be accessible to all eligible citizens, with special considerations for marginalized and underserved communities.

• Public Confidence: Voter ID laws help to bolster public confidence in the electoral process, reinforcing the legitimacy of election outcomes.

Implementation:

• Accepted Forms of ID: Voters will be required to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, state-issued ID card, tribal ID, or a federal employee ID.

• Free Voter ID Cards: To ensure no citizen is disenfranchised, the government will provide free voter ID cards to those who do not already possess an acceptable form of identification. This service will be available at DMV offices, post offices, and mobile units in rural areas.

• Voter ID Assistance Programs: Outreach programs will be established to help citizens, particularly in disadvantaged communities, obtain the necessary documentation for a voter ID. This includes assistance with acquiring birth certificates, proof of residence, and other required documents.

• Provisional Ballots: Voters who arrive at the polls without an ID will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted once their identity is verified. A follow-up process will ensure that these voters are provided with the necessary ID for future elections.

 

Final-Four Nonpartisan Primary System

Objective: To reduce partisan polarization and increase voter choice by implementing a nonpartisan primary system that advances the top four candidates to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

Key Principles:

• Broadening the Field: A nonpartisan primary system allows for a wider range of candidates, including independents and third-party candidates, to compete on an equal footing with major party candidates.

• Voter Empowerment: This system provides voters with more meaningful choices by focusing on candidate quality and policy positions rather than party labels.

• Reduction of Partisan Polarization: By advancing the top four candidates, the Final-Four system encourages candidates to appeal to a broader electorate, reducing the incentive for extreme partisanship.

Implementation:

• Primary Structure: All candidates for federal offices, including the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives, will compete in a single nonpartisan primary. Voters will select their preferred candidate without regard to party affiliation.

• Advancement Criteria: The top four candidates with the highest vote totals in the primary will advance to the general election. This ensures that voters in the general election have a choice among the most popular and viable candidates.

• Election Cycle Adjustments: Primary election dates will be standardized across states to ensure consistency and fairness in the process. States will be encouraged to align their primaries with the federal system to avoid voter confusion and administrative burdens.

• Candidate Debates: Debates during the primary season will include all candidates who qualify for the ballot, ensuring that voters have the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

 

Ranked-Choice Voting in General Elections

Objective: To ensure that elected officials represent the majority of voters by implementing Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) in general elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference.

Key Principles:

• Majority Support: RCV ensures that winning candidates have broad support by requiring a majority of voters to agree on the final outcome, rather than simply winning a plurality.

• Reduction of Negative Campaigning: Candidates are incentivized to appeal to a wider audience, including those who may rank them as a second or third choice, leading to more positive and issue-focused campaigns.

• Elimination of the Spoiler Effect: RCV allows voters to support third-party or independent candidates without fear of "wasting" their vote, as their preferences are transferred if their top choice is eliminated.

Implementation:

• Ballot Design: Voters will be provided with a ballot where they can rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Clear instructions will be provided to ensure voter understanding and minimize errors.

• Counting Process: If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed according to the voters' next preferences. This process continues until one candidate secures a majority.

• Voter Education and Outreach: A comprehensive voter education campaign will be launched to explain the mechanics and benefits of RCV. This will include instructional videos, public service announcements, and information in multiple languages.

• Implementation Timeline: RCV will be phased in over several election cycles, beginning with local and state elections, before being applied to federal races. This gradual implementation will allow time for voter acclimatization and administrative preparation.

 

Term Limits for Congress

Objective: To prevent the entrenchment of career politicians and promote legislative renewal by implementing term limits for members of Congress.

Key Principles:

• Legislative Freshness: Term limits encourage the infusion of new ideas and perspectives into Congress, reducing the stagnation that can result from long-term incumbency.

• Reduction of Special Interest Influence: Limiting terms reduces the ability of special interests to cultivate long-standing relationships with lawmakers, fostering greater independence and accountability.

• Balanced Experience: While term limits ensure regular turnover, they also strike a balance by allowing lawmakers to gain sufficient experience and expertise during their tenure.

Implementation:

• Term Limit Structure: Members of the House of Representatives will be limited to three consecutive terms (six years), while Senators will be limited to two consecutive terms (twelve years). After reaching the limit, former members may run for office again after a one-term hiatus.

• Transition Period: Current members of Congress will be subject to a phase-in period, allowing them to complete their current terms before the new limits apply. This ensures a smooth transition and respects the will of voters who elected sitting members under the previous system.

• Constitutional Amendment: To enact term limits, a constitutional amendment will be pursued, requiring support from two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. A robust campaign will be launched to build public support and encourage state legislatures to ratify the amendment.

 

Conclusion

The Nationalist Party’s Election Reform Policy represents a comprehensive effort to modernize and strengthen American democracy. By implementing mandatory voting, secure voter ID requirements, a Final-Four Nonpartisan Primary, Ranked-Choice Voting, and congressional term limits, we aim to create a more representative, transparent, and accountable electoral system. These reforms are designed to empower the electorate, reduce polarization, and ensure that elected officials truly serve the people. We believe that these changes will restore faith in our democratic institutions and pave the way for a more united and prosperous nation.

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