A bill for better democracy: Mail it in

How could local governments throughout California save lots of taxpayer dollars and increase voter turnout in special elections, thereby promoting a better democracy? Answer: Assembly Bill 1873.

This legislation, newly proposed by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, is simply common sense, which doesn’t mean the Legislature will approve it, but it should. The bill would allow — not require — most special elections to be conducted entirely by mail to fill vacancies in congressional or state legislative seats, as well as vacancies on county boards of supervisors, city councils, school districts or special district boards.

The potential savings are significant. All-mail balloting generally costs half or even less than conventional elections. Importantly, the lower cost might also encourage local governments to fill more vacancies with a democratic election rather than by appointment.

In addition, all-mail elections would almost certainly produce significantly higher voter participation, a major problem in special elections in particular.

Voters in rapidly increasing numbers have been choosing voluntarily to vote by mail, in regular or special elections. It’s obviously the wave of the future. Gonzalez’ bill would help the future arrive much more quickly.


