The low turnout in 2014 offers a chance to do more direct democracy during the next two elections.
Thanks to fewer people showing up to vote, it will be easier to put initiatives, referenda, and constitutional amendments on the ballot in 2016 and 2018.
Many states use the total vote for Governor to determine how many signatures you will need for the following:
1. Placing an initiative or a referendum on the ballot.
2. Candidate signature requirement to get on the ballot.
3. Putting a state constitutional amendment to a public vote.
4. Organizing a new party will be easier.
There could be a democratic downside to easier ballot access. Just as low voter turnout means candidates can rely on narrower messages and smaller segments of the population to win elections, lower petition requirements mean candidates and ballot measure organizers don't have to appeal to as broad a group of citizens to get their names and issues on the ballot.
If one party's fortune's decline, lower turnout makes it easier for that party to get candidates on the ballot next time. But if we view petitioning as a pre-test of a candidate's organizing ability and civic competence, making that test easier may be the opposite of what a struggling party needs.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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