Candidate for
Secretary of State; State of California

I am running for Secretary of State of California because I believe our democracy is in a crisis.

Voter turnout is among the lowest in the western world. Redistricting ensures very few incumbents are at risk in one-party districts. New paperless voting machines are raising questions about whether we can trust that our votes are accurately counted. Money dominates expensive campaigns, mainly waged on television in sound bite format. Finally, our antiquated winner-take-all voting system discriminates against third party candidates and discourages citizens from voting for candidates they truly support.

California's electoral system needs a complete overhaul, not bandages! As Secretary of State I will work to ensure our legislature mirrors the political beliefs of all voters by using proportional representation; Eliminate spoiler candidates through Instant Runoff Voting; Provide equal public financing to qualified candidates, regardless of party; Demand that all votes are accurately counted and voting machines produce voter verified paper ballots; Allow election day registration; Encourage prisoners to become responsible citizens by allowing them to vote in state elections; Build grassroots participation in government by decreasing the size of California's legislative districts.

It is time we instituted a just electoral system to defend our freedom and reclaim our democratic rights. With your help, I believe we can institute Free and Fair elections in California and lead the nation down the path of true election reform.