first published July, 2016
What if.
January 1 – April 30: Campaign-Free Zone
Every year, a 4-month moratorium on political speeches, stumping, TV ads, direct mail, and public solicitation of funds. That’s right, no campaigning: it’s Quiet Time. This includes PACs, too. Violation of this moratorium disqualifies one from any elected office or political appointment for one year—in other words, you break the rule, you wait a year to run.
The Campaign-Free Zone not only relieves the public of the constant onslaught of canvassing and rhetoric, it allows us four months to actually focus on the work already in front of us. How about we accomplish something right now? Let’s use this time to effectively play the hand we have dealt ourselves rather than continually wrangling for a re-deal.
May 1: Declaration Day
Candidates declare their intensions to run for office. All races, all levels, all offices, in every state, commonwealth, and territory. Begin the speeches, the fund-raising, the emails. Let the games begin.
May 31: Special Elections
Voting to fill posts vacated since previous November. All races, all levels, all offices, in every state, commonwealth, and territory. These positions tend to be more localized; one month is more than enough time to prepare.
June 1: Debate Week #1
Each party may choose to hold debates for all candidates, all races, all levels, all offices, all localities, in every state, commonwealth, and territory. Everyone is welcome to host public debate. All week. Have at it.
June 15: Debate Week #2
Second verse, same as the first. Let’s hear where the candidates stand on the issues.
July 5: Debate Week #3
Third chance to learn about the candidates’ characters and ideologies.
August 1: Holiday—Primary Voting*
Every registered voter is welcome to vote in the primary of one party, all races, all levels, all offices, in every state, commonwealth, and territory.
*This is a federally established law, superseding any state or local law governing the timing of its own primary. (Sorry, Iowa, you are no more important than any other state. You don’t get to jump the gun anymore.)
Day After Labor Day: Convention Week Begins
Each party gathers nationally to officially nominate their candidates for President and Vice President. In non-presidential election years, conventions may be held at state levels only, as desired or deemed necessary by party leaders.
October 1: Mail-in Ballots Distributed
Where mail-in ballots are used, all races, all levels, all offices.
November 1: Holiday—Election Day
In-person voting for all races, all levels, all offices, in every state, commonwealth, and territory; deadline to submit all mail-in and/or absentee ballots.
That’s it: 6 months and done. This seems unrealistic but it is possible. Really, it is. We don’t need 18 months of campaigning. We don’t.
Take the money and use it productively. Who really profits from the millions of dollars spent on years-long political campaigns? No, really—who?
Take the time and use it to get some other stuff done. Instead of telling the people how wonderful you are and what you would do if you held a certain office, show us who you are by working the problems you are so eager to point out. Prove to us in deed—not word—that you are equal to the task.
A shorter campaign season would require us to focus. It would save us money. It would force us to work together and listen, to be discerning and resourceful, to be economical.
And it would save some wear and tear on our beleaguered souls. Maybe we would even like each other when it’s all over.
What if.
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