I've got news for you: Seattle was founded by cranky rich white people, and cranky rich white people have always controlled the levers of power around here. That's why that blonde lady will probably be our next mayor.
@11, "a fine for failing to vote" talk about authoritarianism that you hope will favor your political side. As much as you may not like it: not voting is a viable choice in a democratic republic. The only reason the left wants mandatory voting is they are gambling such a move will provide them a political edge.
But I'll make a deal with you: you can have mandatory voting as long as any candidate (federal, state and local) who polls with as little as 0.25% can participate in any and all public debates. ALL of them. If you want to force everyone to vote then we're going to see ALL the choices available to us.
I just want to point out that if the vote totals are low for mayor and City Council, well, you can imagine the vote totals for School Board. There, every single vote counts.
@11 a form of ranked choice voting would make a of sense with our top-two primary. Actually, it could largely eliminate the need for a runoff, if we want.
Well, in the run off I expect its going to be the money candidate, Durkan, and the one I will vote for - whoever is the random person still standing by accident among the rest of the candidates splitting all the rest of the votes. *sigh* Would love to be proved wrong. Please, prove me wrong Seattle!
On the flip side: generally speaking, less affluent white people would rather march than vote.
But I'll make a deal with you: you can have mandatory voting as long as any candidate (federal, state and local) who polls with as little as 0.25% can participate in any and all public debates. ALL of them. If you want to force everyone to vote then we're going to see ALL the choices available to us.