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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 1, 2016 15:48:00 GMT -6
Version 1:
WHEREAS there were talks about creating fixed elections AND
WHEREAS no one ever did anything about it AND
WHEREAS I am not sure it's a good idea, but perhaps this can strike a discussion
THEREFORE the Ziu resolves to put in a referendum the following changes to the Organic Law
Section 3 of article 6 which currently reads:
All elections to the Cosa are to be conducted during a period beginning from the fifteenth day of the calendar month following the dissolution of the prior Cosa until 7:30 p.m. on the first day of the subsequent month. The first day of this period (the fifteenth) is called the "Balloting Day" and the final day is called the "Election Deadline."
Is replaced with:
All elections to the Cosa are to be conducted during a period beginning from the fifteenth day of the calendar months of December and June until 7:30 p.m. on the first day of the subsequent month. The first day of this period (the fifteenth) is called the "Balloting Day" and the final day is called the "Election Deadline."
Section 1 of Article XIII which currently reads:
Duration of the Cosâ. The Cosâ convenes on the first day of the month after general elections, to coincide with the publication of the first Clark. Its term is roughly six months, each month coinciding with a Clark. During its last month the King shall issue a Writ of Dissolution ending its term. At the time the Cosâ is dissolved, all its members shall resign, but any Members holding positions in the Government may remain in those positions till the outcome of the election is resolved.
Is replaced by:
Duration of the Cosâ. The Cosâ convenes on the first day of the month after general elections (either February or August), to coincide with the publication of the first Clark. Its term is exactly five months, each month coinciding with a Clark. During its last month the King shall issue a Writ of Dissolution ending its term. At the time the Cosâ is dissolved, all its members shall resign, but any Members holding positions in the Government may remain in those positions till the outcome of the election is resolved.
In Section 2 of Article XIII, the word "six-month" is replaced by "five-month"
Section 3 of Article XIII is removed
Section 4 of Article XIII is removed
The part os Section 6 of Article XIII which currently reads:
the King shall dissolve the Cosâ and call new elections.
Is replaced by:
the King shall select a new Senechal he feels would be best able to succeed at a Vote of Confidence
Proposed by Marti-Pair Furxheir
Version 2:
WHEREAS there were talks about creating fixed dates elections, in order to provide reliability and predictability for the electors AND
WHEREAS no one ever did anything about it AND
WHEREAS This proposal provides a single election per year, in January 15th, skipping the holiday season and two months of recess during the summer AND
WHEREAS we get exactly 4 Clarks before the summer break and 4 Clarks after the summer break, a perfect symmetry AND
WHEREAS We could call each of the 4 Clark period a "session" so that even if we have the same MC, we could ask the government to offer a different "agenda" for each AND
WHEREAS Nothing prevents us to later easily change the summer recess to a 2 months election if we later feel that 1 year is too long AND
WHEREAS This proposal, unlike the first version, doesn't have an election occuring at the same time as the Clark, staying closer to tradition AND
WHEREAS this proposal allows for a new coalition if the government fails AND
THEREFORE the Ziu resolves to put in a referendum the following changes to the Organic Law
Section 3 of article 6 which currently reads:
All elections to the Cosa are to be conducted during a period beginning from the fifteenth day of the calendar month following the dissolution of the prior Cosa until 7:30 p.m. on the first day of the subsequent month. The first day of this period (the fifteenth) is called the "Balloting Day" and the final day is called the "Election Deadline."
Is replaced with:
All elections to the Cosa are to be conducted during a period beginning from the fifteenth day of the calendar month of January until 7:30 p.m. on the first day of February. The first day of this period (the fifteenth) is called the "Balloting Day" and the final day is called the "Election Deadline."
Section 1 of Article XIII which currently reads:
Duration of the Cosâ. The Cosâ convenes on the first day of the month after general elections, to coincide with the publication of the first Clark. Its term is roughly six months, each month coinciding with a Clark. During its last month the King shall issue a Writ of Dissolution ending its term. At the time the Cosâ is dissolved, all its members shall resign, but any Members holding positions in the Government may remain in those positions till the outcome of the election is resolved.
Is replaced by:
Duration of the Cosâ. The Cosâ convenes on the first day of the month after general elections (March), to coincide with the publication of the first Clark. Its term is exactly 10 months, each month (except for July and August) coinciding with a specific Clark (for example, September is Clark #5). During its last month (December) the King shall issue a Writ of Dissolution ending its term. At the time the Cosâ is dissolved, all its members shall resign, but any Members holding positions in the Government may remain in those positions till the outcome of the election is resolved. When this amendment is ratified, a transition period will be applied so that the following Cosa will have its election during the first of the following two events: After its 6th Clark is published, or in July of that year.
In Section 2 of Article XIII, the word "six-month" is replaced by "eight-month", and the words "five Clarks" are replaced by "Seven Clarks"
Section 3 of Article XIII which currently reads:
The Seneschál may insert between any two Clarks, or after the final Clark, a "month of recess" in which no Clark is published and no Cosâ or Senäts business is conducted. No more than one "month of recess" may be declared during any one term of office.
Is replaced by (explicitly overriding and taking priotiry over any other amendments put to referendum affecting this section in the same election):
The months of July and August are months of recess in which no Clark is published and no Cosâ or Senäts business is conducted.
Section 4 of Article XIII is removed
The part os Section 6 of Article XIII which currently reads:
the King shall dissolve the Cosâ and call new elections.
Is replaced by (unless another bill is ratified which proposed a similar mechanic in which case it would take priority over this replacement):
the King shall select a new Senechal he feels would be best able to succeed at a Vote of Confidence
Section 3 of Article IV which currently reads:
Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for one-third of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number). The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections shall be set by law and shall require two-thirds vote in the Cosa with approval by the King and the Senäts to be modified.
Is replaced by:
Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for approximately one-half of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number) so that each Senator is elected for 2 years. The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections shall be set by law and shall require two-thirds vote in the Cosa with approval by the King and the Senäts to be modified.
Proposed by Marti-Pair Furxheir
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Glüc da Dhi
Secretary of State
Posts: 6,112
Talossan Since: 5-14-2009
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Post by Glüc da Dhi on Sept 1, 2016 16:29:07 GMT -6
Currently a cycle is effectively 9 months. I like the idea of matching the electoral calendar to the actual calendar, but I'd actually prefer to go for a longer cycle (12 months) instead of a shorter one. I'll explain my reasoning later (maybe, if I have time). (Also, Id argue that the best month to have elections is either February or March.)
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 1, 2016 16:55:26 GMT -6
Currently a cycle is effectively 9 months. I like the idea of matching the electoral calendar to the actual calendar, but I'd actually prefer to go for a longer cycle (12 months) instead of a shorter one. I'll explain my reasoning later (maybe, if I have time). (Also, Id argue that the best month to have elections is either February or March.)Ok, Let's muse... Option 1: Government forming: January Clark 1: February Clark 2 : March Clark 3: April Clark 4: May Clark 5: June, census Election: June 15 to July 1st Clark 1: August Clark 2: September Clark 3: October Clark 4: November Clark 5: December Election: December 15th to January 1st Speech from the Throne : December 26th. Option 2: Election: January 15th to February 1st. Government forming: February Clark 1: March Clark 2 : April Clark 3: May Clark 4: June, Census Two months Recess: July and August Clark 5: September Clark 6: October Clark 7: November Clark 8: December Speech from the Throne closing the Cosa and announcing the new year: December 26th. Option 3: The Cosa votes 1 month, the Senate the next month.Election: January 15th to February 1st.. Senate votes on Clark 8 from the previous yearGovernment forming: FebruaryClark 1: March, Senate on pauseClark 2 : April, Senate votes on Clark 1Clark 3: May, Senate votes on Clark 2Clark 4: June, Census, , Senate votes on Clark 3July: , Senate votes on Clark 4Two months Recess: July and AugustClark 5: September Senate on pauseClark 6: October, Senate votes on Clark 5Clark 7: November, Senate votes on Clark 6Clark 8: December, Senate votes on Clark 7Options 3 is crazy... forget it. But I LOVE Option 2...
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 1, 2016 17:27:31 GMT -6
A few stats:
1988: 7 clarks 1989: 7 clarks, 1 recess 1990: 6 clarks, 2 recess 1991: 8 clarks, 1 recess 1992: 8 clarks, 1 recess 1993: 8 clarks 1994: 10 clarks! 1995: 8 clarks 1996: 8 clarks 1997: 10 clarks! 1998: 8 clarks 1999: 9 clarks, 1 recess 2000: 8 clarks 2001: 10 clarks 2002: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2003: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2004: 8 Clarks, 1 recess 2005: 8 clarks 2006: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2007: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2008: 8 Clarks, 1 recess 2009: 8 clarks, 2 recess 2010: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2011: 7 clarks, 2 recess 2012: 9 clarks, 1 recess 2013: 8 clarks, 1 recess 2014: 8 clars, 3 recess 2015: 9 clarks, 2 recess
My calendar proposes 8 Clarks, and 2 recess, so we match up with the past average, with the election giving a free initial recess.
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Sir C. M. Siervicül
Posts: 9,636
Talossan Since: 8-13-2005
Knight Since: 7-28-2007
Motto: Nonnisi Deo serviendum
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Post by Sir C. M. Siervicül on Sept 1, 2016 18:45:40 GMT -6
Hmm. I'll have to think about this. On the one hand I like the tradition of the 6-Clark term, and the possibility of early elections builds valuable flexibility into our system. On the other hand, when Glüc mentioned that he would prefer a 12-month cycle, what instantly came to my mind matches exactly with M-P's Option 2.
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Post by Magniloqueu Épiqeu da Lhiun on Sept 1, 2016 18:49:48 GMT -6
I really like Option two, because traditionally, during the months of June, July, and August, the Government in charge is unduly burdened by ubiquitous inactivity. This would actually give a government to prove itself with and without a reasonable amount of non-governmental activity. But with this, we may have to amend our laws of expatriating citizens that do not vote. We might not have to, according to depending on wording, I have not checked.
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 1, 2016 19:55:13 GMT -6
we may have to amend our laws of expatriating citizens that do not vote. We might not have to, according to depending on wording, I have not checked. The Census would take care of it, and it's 6 months after the election... the laws says "2 years without the census or a vote". They will still have 2 opportunities per year, or 4 per 2 years...
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 2, 2016 3:43:30 GMT -6
I put version 2 at the top...
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 3, 2016 9:52:44 GMT -6
I added a transition period, so that if ratified in the 50th Cosa, it will end after 6 Clarks or in July of that year, giving the 51st Cosa 4 Clarks, and the 52nd will have 8.
I feel like letting the 50th Cosa to have 10 Clarks is A LOT.
But since it's the 50th, I am open to putting a Recess in December and in January, so that it will have 8 Clarks, from February to November, instead of March to December.
We CANNOT delay the election however, because the ratification will be AFTER the election.
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Sir C. M. Siervicül
Posts: 9,636
Talossan Since: 8-13-2005
Knight Since: 7-28-2007
Motto: Nonnisi Deo serviendum
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Post by Sir C. M. Siervicül on Sept 13, 2016 4:59:30 GMT -6
I added a transition period, so that if ratified in the 50th Cosa, it will end after 6 Clarks or in July of that year, giving the 51st Cosa 4 Clarks, and the 52nd will have 8. I feel like letting the 50th Cosa to have 10 Clarks is A LOT. But since it's the 50th, I am open to putting a Recess in December and in January, so that it will have 8 Clarks, from February to November, instead of March to December. We CANNOT delay the election however, because the ratification will be AFTER the election I may be missing something, but I only see a transition provision in Option 1, which is the 5-Clark term. Sounds like it'd be pretty complicated.
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 13, 2016 7:32:02 GMT -6
Damnit, it should have been in option 2.
In short, the Cosa after the ratification either lasts 6 Clarks (as per the previous rules) or July, with an election in July/August, and the next one according to the new law.
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Ian Plätschisch
Senator for Maritiimi-Maxhestic
Posts: 4,001
Talossan Since: 3-21-2015
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Post by Ian Plätschisch on Sept 13, 2016 11:44:26 GMT -6
I really like this (option 2)
To clarify, would senate terms now be three years?
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 13, 2016 14:53:54 GMT -6
Oh shit, the senate!!!
I'll have to think about it
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Post by Marti-Pair Furxheir S.H. on Sept 13, 2016 19:11:24 GMT -6
Section 3 of Article IV which currently reads:
Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for one-third of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number). The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections shall be set by law and shall require two-thirds vote in the Cosa with approval by the King and the Senäts to be modified.
Is replaced by:
Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for one-half of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number). The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections follows the official provincial ordering as per Chancery tradition so that provinces with an even number (Cézembre, Maricopa, Benito, Fiova) have their senators elected on even years and the other half on odd years.
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Sir C. M. Siervicül
Posts: 9,636
Talossan Since: 8-13-2005
Knight Since: 7-28-2007
Motto: Nonnisi Deo serviendum
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Post by Sir C. M. Siervicül on Sept 14, 2016 4:05:37 GMT -6
Section 3 of Article IV which currently reads: Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for one-third of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number). The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections shall be set by law and shall require two-thirds vote in the Cosa with approval by the King and the Senäts to be modified. Is replaced by: Each time the Cosa shall be dissolved, there shall be an election for one-half of the total Senate seats (rounded to the nearest whole number). The exact fixed order of rotation of provinces for elections follows the official provincial ordering as per Chancery tradition so that provinces with an even number (Cézembre, Maricopa, Benito, Fiova) have their senators elected on even years and the other half on odd years. I don't think I like writing "Chancery tradition" into the OrgLaw. Plus, tradition can't account for the creation or abolition/merger of provinces (the possibility of which is why the order is not just spelled out in the OrgLaw). Why not just change "one-third" to "one-half" in OrgLaw IV:3?
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