Today, your Mighty Wizard heard fell voices in the air from afar. They bade him to visit the website, Field of Schemes. On today's (March 18, 2004) headlines, FoS carries a story about how in Bloomington Illinois, the town's voters rejected a non - binding referendum to build a $35.2 million minor league hockey arena.
Despite this, Mayor Judy Markowitz said the project will go forward anyway. Why? Because while 66% of voters cast "no" votes, only 10% of residents voted, meaning the vote didn't really represent a majority.
Ah, the joys of Democracy. Can someone explain to me what is the point of holding a non - binding referendum or election? That aside, the editors at FoS pointedly ask whether a majority of voters turned out for the election that put Ms. Markowitz into office.
For that matter, if we are to use this type of logic and apply it further, why don't we broaden the question and ask ANY office holder in the United States - including the President - about the legitimacy of their power, since turnout for elections in the United States usually result in a participation rate of anywhere from 2 - 60 percent. The more powerful the office, the higher the turnout rate, with State Rep offices getting - say - 25 perent turnout, while big city Mayor races come in at the 30 - 35 percent range. Congressional races are in the 20 - 40 percent range, while Governor races tend to get about 30 - 45 percent turnout. Presidential races in the 20th century pulled in 40 - 60 percent, with 50 percent turnout being roughly the norm. Of course, with the Presidency, we have the electoral college, which helps preserve (what little is left of) the spheres of the states in America's federal system.
Well, I regret to inform you, voters of Bloomington Illinois, that I can't help you. I'm afraid that in this matter, all I can say is that I really am a very Great Man, but I also happen to be a Very Bad Wizard.
Posted by The Mighty Wizard at March 18, 2004 09:49 PM