What is Ballot Measure 2
We are in a period of political transformation. Our state is mired in its sixth straight year of a budget crisis, and neither of the two major parties has a handle on how to move us forward. Our politics have become hyper-partisan, with two sides fighting for power rather than working on solutions.
There’s great uncertainty about what comes next, but the system we have now clearly isn’t working. Parties and Outside special interests have more influence over our elections than voters—that’s not how it’s supposed to be. The nonpartisan electoral reforms in Ballot Measure 2 are an answer to our current partisan gridlock and the failures of two-party rule. Ballot Measure 2 puts Alaskans and the issues we care about first. Changing how we elect our leaders can improve our democracy and ensure that politicians are accountable to us—the voters—not political parties and special interests. Measure 2 includes three commonsense reforms that give voters more choice, more voice, and more power. The measure enhances disclosure requirements for campaign finance, creates a top-four primary open to all Alaska voters, and empowers voters to rank candidates in the order of their preference in the general election. These key reforms would reduce polarization, increase diversity among candidates running for office, and reduce negative campaigning. Voting yes on Measure 2 frees leaders to solve problems by encouraging them to work together. Elections are how we hold our leaders accountable, but if there’s no competition, there’s no accountability. Ballot Measure 2 increases competition by encouraging more Alaskans to run for office and ensuring that the voices of Alaska’s over 300,000 unaffiliated voters are heard. The nonpartisan reforms in Measure 2 have been tested in other states and resulted in increased voter turnout, greater candidate diversity, and more transparent campaign spending. Measure 2 is three simple changes that put the power of elections back in the people’s hands—where it belongs. Elections are for voters, not party officials and special interests. On November 3, we can change our future by enacting three simple, nonpartisan reforms by voting yes on Measure 2. Stacey Lucason is the Deputy Campaign Manager for Alaskans for Better Elections.
|