Washington state should adopt swiss-style direct democracy
Washington state should adopt swiss-style direct democracy
The Issue
As defined by Switzerland here.
Voting logistics
All Swiss citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in elections and referendums. The Swiss electorate are called on approximately four times a year to exercise this right, and vote on an average of 15 federal proposals.
Voter powers
Swiss citizens may voice their demands by means of three instruments which form the core of direct democracy: popular initiative, optional referendum and mandatory referendum.
Popular initiative
The popular initiative gives citizens the right to propose an amendment or addition to the Constitution. It acts to drive or launch a political debate on a specific issue. For such an initiative to come about, the signatures of 100,000 voters who support the proposal must be collected within 18 months.
Optional referendum
The optional referendum allows the people to demand that any bill approved by the Federal Assembly is put to a nationwide vote. In order to bring about a national referendum, 50,000 valid signatures must be collected within 100 days of publication of the new legislation.
Mandatory referendum
All constitutional amendments approved by parliament are subject to a mandatory referendum, i.e. they must be put to a nationwide popular vote. The electorate are also required to approve Swiss membership of specific international organisations.
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How this proposal should move through the democratic system
When enough signatures to perform a referendum are achieved. Legal text shall be drafted to match the mechanics of the Swiss system. If disputes exist the UN representative from Switzerland and/or leader of Switzerland shall perform arbitration. This then will become an emergency ballot measure at some time within the next 6 months.
Goal
It is my hope that after this is performed we are able to feel more heard within the democratic system.
If course adjustments can be made to maximize that, we should take them.
Additionally this is a non-partisan issue. Please treat those with whom you may have previously disagreed, with empathy, respect, and kindness.
38
The Issue
As defined by Switzerland here.
Voting logistics
All Swiss citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in elections and referendums. The Swiss electorate are called on approximately four times a year to exercise this right, and vote on an average of 15 federal proposals.
Voter powers
Swiss citizens may voice their demands by means of three instruments which form the core of direct democracy: popular initiative, optional referendum and mandatory referendum.
Popular initiative
The popular initiative gives citizens the right to propose an amendment or addition to the Constitution. It acts to drive or launch a political debate on a specific issue. For such an initiative to come about, the signatures of 100,000 voters who support the proposal must be collected within 18 months.
Optional referendum
The optional referendum allows the people to demand that any bill approved by the Federal Assembly is put to a nationwide vote. In order to bring about a national referendum, 50,000 valid signatures must be collected within 100 days of publication of the new legislation.
Mandatory referendum
All constitutional amendments approved by parliament are subject to a mandatory referendum, i.e. they must be put to a nationwide popular vote. The electorate are also required to approve Swiss membership of specific international organisations.
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How this proposal should move through the democratic system
When enough signatures to perform a referendum are achieved. Legal text shall be drafted to match the mechanics of the Swiss system. If disputes exist the UN representative from Switzerland and/or leader of Switzerland shall perform arbitration. This then will become an emergency ballot measure at some time within the next 6 months.
Goal
It is my hope that after this is performed we are able to feel more heard within the democratic system.
If course adjustments can be made to maximize that, we should take them.
Additionally this is a non-partisan issue. Please treat those with whom you may have previously disagreed, with empathy, respect, and kindness.
38
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on June 19, 2021