“Voter-Owned” Elections Pilot Won’t Fly

August 2, 2007   •  By IFS staff
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“Voter-Owned” Elections Pilot Won’t Fly

Today, the North Carolina Senate considers on third reading a bill that would implement a “voter-owned” elections pilot program in the state.  The North Carolina House previously approved the measure 59-57 on Saturday, July 28.

The pilot program would make available government funding for candidates for state auditor, superintended of public instruction, and insurance commissioner.  Proponents believe government-financed elections will “improve the electoral process.”

But research compiled by the Center for Competitive Politics (CCP), a pro-First Amendment reform organization, shows that government-financed elections are an expensive use of government resources that do not deliver their promised results.

Specifically, CCP finds that government-financed elections:

– Will not lead to more competitive elections and will likely entrench incumbents

– Decreases confidence in government

– Does not lead to “better” representation

– Does not increase citizen participation in politics

– Is unfair to non-participants

– Will result in more spending by “527” organizations

A full overview of government-financed elections is available at: https://www.ifs.org/docLib/20070720_Glossy.pdf

“This proposal allows politicians to feed from the public trough,” CCP President Sean Parnell said.  “Simply stated, it is welfare for politicians.”

IFS staff

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