This commentary is by Steve May of Richmond, a Democratic candidate for the state Senate in 2018 and 2020.
We are at a critical moment. It feels as though we have said this a lot across the last few years. But, once again these are extraordinary times.
The way we pick our leaders is under threat. There are some among us who believe that there is too much input among ordinary people in selecting our leaders.
Vermont has always believed in allowing us to come together and reason as neighbors. Through pandemics and wars and worse, we have met the moment. Our heritage is not a precious tradition of a bygone era.
Vermont has an opportunity to answer the moment and lead the country. Nothing less than the future of the republic is at stake. In Washington and around the country, there is a growing chorus of folks who believe in election nullification. That is to say that the unwashed masses can’t be trusted to pick their leaders for fear that they might “pick wrong.”
Increasingly, state legislatures around the country are looking to set aside the results of elections when they can’t set aside the demography that rejects their political leadership. If you can manufacture doubt in the court of public opinion, that seems to be almost as good as actually winning the vote.
Political life should be lively and capture the imagination of voters. Vermont should be the most dynamic electoral environment in the country. We don’t have the luxury of reverting to a protective crouch. Vermont’s answer to this crisis requires that we create the most inclusive electoral system possible. Proactive leadership demands it.
Let’s create a system that is worthy of Vermont voters. We can expand public financing beyond the governor and lieutenant governor’s races. Let’s add people’s initiative so citizen lawmaking can move from just Town Meeting Day to a year-round opportunity.
Let’s create an Election Day holiday to allow everyone to be heard, using instant runoff voting for nonpartisan judicial elections and candidate selection at party primaries. Our vision can be a guidepost as the country gropes across this dark night.
The answer to those who would say that elections are cumbersome and unwieldy is: “Yes, and…”
Yes and, more participation is better than less.
Yes and, more voting permits greater civic engagement.
Yes and, government isn’t precious and in need of protection.
Yes and, our system has withstood challenges of all kinds across centuries, and we the people are up to this moment as well.
Together we must heed this common call in this most uncommon moment. Together we must empower more civic engagement for the good of all of us. Nothing less than all our combined future rests on it.
