Straight Ticket Voting |

straight ticket voting

Problem:
The main problem is that its impossible to select good candidates by voting for parties instead of candidates. Even though political parties are a practical part of the process, voting based on stereotypes of what that party represents can really backfire in the voting booth. A knowledgeable voter should know where their candidate stands and vote for the person and not the party. Even candidates in the same party can sometimes have very different approaches to dealing with issues.

Solution:
Amend the Texas Constitution to repeal Straight Ticket Voting

Texas Constitution
Code – Election Code
Chapter 52 – Ballot Form, Content, and Preparation
Section 52.071 Voting Square and Instruction for straight-party vote

What Happens If Indiana Eliminates Straight-Ticket Voting?

Statesman – Brace yourself: Travis County has one of its longest ballots in years

Daily Kos – Thinking of voting a straight Democratic ticket? Think again.

Editorial: Straight-ticket voting is still a bad idea

How straight ticket voting affects local races

NY Times – Straight-Ticket Voting Takes a Trusting Soul

Texas Tribune – In November, Straight Ticket Votes Decide Winner

Dallas News – Straight-party voting skews results, is bad for democracy, foes say

Houston Chronicle – Eliminating straight-party voting could result in a more thoughtful voter.

Bill to abolish straight-ticket voting advances in Iowa House

Daily Herald – GOP-backed bill would end straight-ticket voting option

Oakland Press – Elections should be about people, not parties