Change the Rule was formed to urge the 17-member Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) to change the rule they established that requires any candidate who is running for President to average 15% in five polls taken just days before the presidential debates in order to participate in those debates.
This rule must be changed to help create a genuinely fair and more competitive presidential election by making it possible for an independent candidate to take part in the presidential debates.
The Change the Rule Initiative reflects and responds to the views of a growing majority of Americans, who believe that with greater choice and competition in our politics we can move beyond the gridlock that’s paralyzing our political system, weakening our governance and diminishing our country’s prosperity and strength.
Recent national polls have found that 86 percent feel the political system is broken and does not serve the interests of the American people. Eighty-one percent believe that it is important to have independent candidates run for office, and 65 percent say they wish they had the option to vote for an independent candidate in a U.S. presidential election. At the same time, more than two-thirds of Americans do not believe that the independent candidate they would prefer can ever emerge because our election system is rigged to favor Democratic and Republican incumbents, and unfortunately, they are right.
There is nothing in the constitution of the United States, or in American law or history that requires that our President be from one of two parties.
By changing this rule, the playing field would be leveled, giving the American people a broader choice in their selection of our President, and enable more great Americans to run for president.
The proposal would add an additional rule which I think is a far better indicator of national support and demonstrates the grassroots organization necessary to mount a legitimate presidential bid.
The new rule would work as follows: On April 30 any candidate, party, or nominating process with ballot access in states that collectively have at least 270 electoral college votes would notify the CPD of that access. If there is more than one, then whoever has gathered the most signatures as part of the ballot access process will participate in the debates with the Democratic and Republican nominees. Under this new rule an independent can be designated to be in the debates at least six months before the election.
A signature drive competition provides an objective, fair, and measurable way to gain access to the presidential debates.
I would add to the one independent, the minor party candidate with the most votes in their primary or other selection process.
This would then have four candidates in the debates.
How do you think the debates should be run?
CLICK HERE for information about Change the Rule Initiative.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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