‘None of the Above’ Ballot Option. Initiative Statute.
	Argument in Favor of Proposition 23

Arguments on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.

We are three California citizens who usually don't vote. At times, we've wanted to protest the choices given to us, express our discontent over negative campaigning or object to the lack of relevant information about the candidates. Until now, the only way we could be heard was to simply not vote. Unfortunately, not voting doesn't get you heard, it just gets you labeled as apathetic.

If we had the option of voting for "none of the above," we would have the opportunity to have our protest counted and our voices heard. More people like us would vote if they had a choice--to vote for a worthy candidate, or to vote for "none of the above" in an election where none of the candidates was worthy.

If Proposition 23 passes, the candidate with the most votes would still get the job. But, each vote would be meaningful--not just a decision between the "lesser of two evils." If candidates knew that Californians could vote for "none of the above," they might be more likely to run campaigns based on issues and positive messages rather than campaigns that simply attack opponents. And, you'd find more of us at the polls, voting on all the issues and candidates.

We believe that having the option to vote for "none of the above" will accomplish several things:

• More citizens will register to vote.
• More registered voters will vote.
• Better candidates will be nominated.
• Negative campaigning will be reduced.

The ability to vote for "none of the above" is only one method of getting wider participation in the election process, and the cost to do so is negligible. Voter reform doesn't have to be complicated.

We urge a YES vote for Proposition 23.

Amanda Gutwirth
Social Worker

David James
Small Business Owner

Susan Howell
Waitress

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