by Mark Belden
The political arena in California and elsewhere is packed with who can shout the loudest and spend the most from the far sides of the political ideology spectrum.
The rest of us, the majority, sit quietly on the sidelines. Call us moderates, centrists, even independents.
We are the largest voting block, political or otherwise. It is estimated that 40 % plus voters fall directly into this category.
Slightly right of center, we are fiscal conservatives that also sport a socially moderate moniker.
We strongly believe what is right for California is and will be right for just about all Californians.
The silence has been broken in California by the passage of the top two primary winners and redistricting.
Your party registration no longer restricts you selecting a party nominee that may advance to the general election, but rather your vote can advance the best candidate regardless of party affiliation, to the general election.
Formerly registered Decline to State -DTS, now No Party Preference-NPP, did not participate in political party primary nominations.
Many in the middle felt voiceless, resulting in the strengthening of the political extremes.
It is true that redistricting has caused same political party candidates in some general elections, but it is widely agreed the election process is fairer.
Although none of 35 NPP candidates (which I was one of) of the 500 or so candidates in the congressional, state and assembly races were elected, several did make it to the general election.
NPP candidates and voter numbers are growing in California. As Republican and Democrat registration continues to decline, (29 and 44% respectively) approximately 21% of registered voters now identify themselves as NPP.
I encourage voters who have not registered as an NPP to do so. I believe this will encourage voters to make independent nonpartisan decisions, resulting in a more efficient and efective group of elected leaders willing to make the difficult decisions that take into consideration the beliefs and rights of all Californians.
If you feel as strongly as I do about eliminating the political partisan gridlock please join me in saying "No to political party idealogies and yes to a balanced and compromising from of governance."
mark@mcbelden.com
2 comments:
Mr. Belden, you can register any way you want. I will never vote for you! I watched and listened to you express yourself during the forums you participated in, here in Calaveras County. I will never vote for you!
It appears there are many democrats in republican clothing. There has been some, after running and elected as a republican, changing party affiliation to democrat. Would that constitute a political lie?
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