‘None of the Above’ Ballot Option. Initiative Statute.
	Rebuttal to 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.

The proponents of this initiative hope that it will boost voter registration, increase voter turnout, improve the quality of candidates and reduce negative campaigning. These are commendable goals, and we support them all.

Unfortunately, in the one state (Nevada) where NOTA is used, it hasn't achieved any of them.

The reason is simple: voters quickly realize that casting a vote for NOTA is a waste, so after a brief flurry of interest in NOTA, voters stop using the option, and candidates continue behaving as before.

NOTA isn't the answer, but the problems this initiative attempts to address are real and serious: inadequate choice at the ballot booth, poor treatment of the issues and negative campaigning.

What can be done? We can promote reforms that give all voters a meaningful way to vote FOR their favorite candidate, which would encourage candidates to campaign on the issues.

Such reforms aren't pipe dreams: voters in Santa Clara County have already passed an initiative to allow the Instant Runoff, and because it saves money and reduces negative campaigning, several California cities are considering it.

Most established democracies in the world use proportional representation combined with public financing of elections. Proportional representation creates true multi-choice democracy where more people win representation in the legislature. It also fosters positive debate of issues and produces policies that are more representative of the majority's will.

Vote NO on NOTA, and work for reforms that allow you to cast a vote that counts FOR your favorite candidate.

JOHN B. ANDERSON
1980 Independent Presidential Candidate

JULIE PARTANSKY
Mayor of Davis

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