Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1917-02-21
THE ELECTION LAWS

Reports from the state capitol in |
dictate that the politicians figure on
being successful in staying the march
Of progress-that they will juggle the
election laws with the view Of legal
izing partisan conventions to ba held
to name candidates for office, and thus
restore to the political schemers and
the interests they represent some of
the power which the people of Mime
sofa in an unguarded moment had
been ableeto secure for themselves.
We don't believe the legislators
will dare do this. 1t is said the Re-
publican state Organization will force
thru this legislation. So much the
worse for said Republican organiza-
ton. 1t may be able ito lead the
horse to water, but 1t cannot force 1t
to drink The idea that you can build
and maintain political parties by law
is entirely erroneous. When the polit-
teal party ceases to be q free agent
its usefulness in crystalizing public
sentiment is gone.
II there is anything in our present
laws which prohibits. political parties
or groups of citizens to call represen-
tative gatherings to decide upon stan
dard bearers and candidates to be
supported by members of such par
ties, repeal such provisions. We do
| not believe there are any such pro.
visions. But don't ask the govern
ment to legalize the, doings of any
such convention, nor the taxpayers to
stand the expense of running party
primaries or caucuses.'
| Cut out all the red-tape that is be-
coming more snarled and difficult to
entangle after every: revision OF the
election laws. Simplify the whole
business, reduce the expense, and in
sure majority elections by a very sim.
pie expedient. An expedient that will
return US to first principles as they
existed from 1776 to 1892. and still
safeguard the sanctity Of the ballot
box and fair count
ABOLISH THE LEGALlZATION
OF POLITICAL PARTIES BY LEG
ISI4ATlVE ENACTMENT,
To do this under the Australian bal
lot system, 1t is necessary to abolish
the party name from the ballot
That is a very simple thing to do
but it will be most effective.
Now don't, dismiss this as imprac
tical without a serious thought: Would
it lead to chaotic conditions? No
Would it kill legitimate political par
ties? No. Would it prevent the op
Grafton of legalized political machine:
which trim their sails to catch ever,
wind that blows in order to contro
the offices. 1t would do so. decidedly
Such outfits would have to be able It.
!, fool all the people all the time" in or
, der to be successful.
The state should furnish the peopl,
! q simple and safe means of express
, ing their will at the ballot box-an'
. then let the people do the rest.
The state should provide one pr
mary election to eliminate minorit,
candidates, and general election t.
elect it's officials by a majority vot
from the two candidates having tn
highest vote for each office at tn
3 primary.
- Think it over. Look at the propt
O sition from any angle you like.
!, you are sopen.minded: and desire a PEI
! fectly square deal in the :electio
4 laws, you will be compelled to admi
that we are right.
t II you must juggle the electio
r. laws, improve them. Don't 60 ava
r back in the mire! Don't turn bac
a the hands OF progress!
Go to some Eastern State where tn
n political party machines are supreme
y and watch how they run their ele,
|. tons. Then come back to our goo
Q old North Star State and thank Go
n that we have more progressive Law
t which encourage political indepent
ence, recognize the citizens as thinl
n ing people instead OF mere automa
Ons. and safeguard the will of the M,
y tority to a much greater degree tina
where the political boss has absolut
n sway!
Q Mr.. Legislator, keep Minnesot
s looking forward!