MW: The Midwestern Althing Reform Amendment (Failed)

[GAworth]

Thank you very much Archduke for bringing this amendment to the floor. This will be a referendum that the people of the Midwest will vote upon. I have supported the regionalization of the Althing's seats. This is a simple reform. I look forward to any questions and possible amendments.

[GAworth]

I'm also in full support of this amendment, but for Section 3, Part II, I don't think we're able to intrude on a person's right to change districts under federal law, and at the end in Section 5 (or a Section 6) just add a disclaimer that it amends Section II, Part B of the 4th Midwest Constitution.

Everything else looks great though. Districts could make elections more fun and orderly, and I would personally support implementing them, but that will be up to the voters to decide.

I do have an additional idea to add to this that could increase the activity and representation in the Althing. For Section 1, I would recommend we increase the # of Althing seats to 4; adding another Althing seat which in-turn could help give the Archduke/Speaker a little more well-deserved power in breaking ties.

I've gone through the census and there's still a really good way to get 4 districts out of our region:

District 1 - Minnesota - 8
District 2 - Iowa - 7
District 3 - Montana - 3, Wyoming - 1, North Dakota - 1, South Dakota - 1, Manitoba - 1, Alberta (Canada) - 0, Saskatchewan (Canada) - 0, Northwestern Territories (Canada) - 0
District 4 - Colorado - 4, Nebraska - 2, Kansas - 0, Oklahoma - 1

We could always go with 3 to, but what do you guys think?

I am always in favor of upping the number of seats to 4. But I fear that we already struggle enough with getting enough people to run for the 3 seats. I am down for the addition of the constitution, when I am more awake tomorrow I will move an amendment if no one else wants does it first.

[GAworth]

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This amends the bill for the section it amends. I will leave the discussion of a fourth seat for another amendment.

[GAworth]

Pretty much, however, States can only be in one district, so it will not be absolute.

[GAworth]

The bill can always be defeated if you strongly believe it is flawed. I introduced the bill because I believe in districts serving a purpose. To allow for all of the region to be included in the Althing. I also think changing the status quo of our electoral structure is not a bad idea.