Cut the number of elections to reduce money’s role in politics

From NMPolitics.net - By Dick Minzner - Public discussion of the possibility of reducing the role of money in politics, including Michael Swickard’s recent post on this site, has omitted one effective solution: We could decrease the number of elections. The United States holds elections for more offices than any other country. Our elections are very frequent, and, because of our system of primaries, holding an election probably means holding two. It should come as no surprise that candidates feel a need to raise large amounts of money and spend much time and effort doing so. In New Mexico, we should consider three possible steps to reduce the role money plays in our system. First, reduce the number of offices subject to primaries. Second, make some elective offices appointive. Third, lengthen the terms of elected officials. Read more

Cut the number of elections to reduce money’s role in politics