Posted: | June 27, 2017 03:19 PM |
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From: | Representative Duane D. Milne |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Election Reform: Remove Cross-filing from the Election Code |
I am introducing a three bill package with the unifying element of removing from the Election Code the provision to allow candidates to cross-file for certain offices. These bills propose to remove this option for the offices of school director, Court of Common Pleas, and Magisterial District Judge, respectively. The genesis of allowing cross-filing is an interest in making these offices somehow “less political.” Whatever merit might reside in that end objective, cross-filing is not the mechanism for doing so. More effective and enlightened ways can be put in place to accomplish such. The practice of cross-filing actually can prove anti-democratic, because it undermines the principles of accountability and transparency about those running for office. Voters should have the right to know, in straightforward fashion, the party affiliations of those for whom they are considering casting votes. Cross-filing clouds the ability to do so. In an environment when these offices already prove challenging to campaign for, this added layer of confusion is not helpful, at a minimum. Please join me in supporting this voter-friendly legislation. TY, - D |
Description: | Cross Filing - School Director Candidates | |
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View Attachment | ||
Description: | Cross Filing - Common Pleas Court Candidates | |
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View Attachment | ||
Description: | Cross Filing - Magisterial District Judge Candidates and Philadelphia Municipal and Traffic Court Candidates | |
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View Attachment | ||