Let All Parties Be Heard


By John C. Strawn
Published July 6th 2000 in  The Washington Post
E. J. Dionne Jr. acknowledges the valuable role of third parties but still wonders if they should be allowed into the presidential debates [op-ed, June 30]. This isn't rocket science. Why is it that we can put a man on the moon but can't come up with a way to elect our president that allows voters to vote for their favorite candidate, allows multiple candidates to run and present their issues and ensures that the winner has majority support? The real fault lies with our presidential election method (also used to elect our congressional and state legislatures), which allows a candidate to win whether he or she has majority support or not. It defies the principle of "majority rule." If we used a runoff election or an "instant runoff," which elects a majority winner in one round, the "spoiler" problem would go away.  Why not criticize our election method instead of the candidates?
Sierra Club National Popular Vote Resolution
WHEREAS, the mission of the Sierra Club is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet through grassroots participation in politics and government; and

WHEREAS,  presidential candidates focus their efforts and resources only in battleground states.

WHEREAS, two-thirds of the states receive little to no attention in a competitive presidential election.

THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sierra Club supports National Popular Vote state legislation that will elect the President of the United States by popular vote.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Sierra Club supports election of the President of the United States by direct popular vote.