Akno (Secretary of Forum Affairs) Confirmation Hearing

[Akno21]

I'd like to ask for the nominees thoughts on the following:

1) Sen. Ernest's Federal Activity Requirements Revision Bill

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=49966.0

2) Sen. Dave Hawk's Constitutional Amendment on Voter Registration and Voting Rules

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=39557.msg1064712#msg1064712

'Hawk'

On the first issue, I oppose the bill. I do not see the trouble with the 25 post rule. Although Atlasia undoubtedly has activity problems, I don't think there are a great deal of potential voters who don't vote simply because they don't meet the 25 post rule. The problem is one of a fundamental lack of interest and people. Furthermore, it is important to consider what Atlasia was like before the 25 post rule. Candidates could (and I'm not innocent on this one) simply get completely non-active members out at election time to vote for them, voters who paid absolutely no attention to Atlasia or any other part of the forum. The positives of the bill far outweigh the very unlikely negative, which is that a qualified member will not have posted 25 times.

I'll get to the other questions ASAP.

[Akno21]

Dave's second question:

I support keeping the constitution as it currently is as far as Clause 6 of Section 2. Clearing deadwood of the voter rolls is important for gaining a true sense of Atlasia's population. Also, I do not see any infringement on rights with the law as it currently stands, because if one wishes to become active again, all he needs to do is register; it's not as if by being taken off the voter rolls, one cannot re-register for x amount of months.

[Akno21]

I'd also like the nominee to express any comments he may have on my proposed Backup Redistricting Amendment, and the Senator Brandon W's proposed Constitutional Amendment on the Registration Post Count and Repeal of the Deputy SoFA Act.

I strongly support the Backup Redistricting Amendment, it is crucial that there be a plan in place, as often the governors are not fully up to task in their redistricting jobs.

I oppose the post count amendment. 50 posts is by no means an unreasonable amount of posts.

I understand why the Deputy SoFA act was repealed, but as Forum Affairs, unlike some other cabinet positions that were eliminated, actually has a practical use in the game, I think having a backup already in place is a good idea.

[Akno21]

What is your opinion of the deregistration act?  Do you believe that Altasian citizens should be allowed to deregister?

I support the deregistration act. I do not see any reason why Atlasian citizens should not be able to deregister themselves. By remaining on the voter rolls, they subject themselves to PM's and other forms of barrage by candidates who are looking for votes. If they wish to no longer be part of Atlasia, they should be able to cut the chord completely.

[Akno21]

Akno, there have been numerous proposals for reforming/revamping the game in hopes of boosting participation. What is your opinion, if any, regarding each of these?

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=50323.0
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=49427.0
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=50321.0

There are many more, but unfortunately I can't find them at the moment.

I oppose any plan to start over, and begin a new country. While we may able to officially erase history, we would be starting a new country with experiences, friendships, rivalries, etc, from the old one. I don't see how an "Atlasia II" would be effective with the same exact people.

That said, I am open to fundamental change to our current system. I'm not sure if we have enough people to maintain an active House of Representatives in addition to the Senate, but a serious change to the legislative branch (such as list voting) would be welcome, even if only to break the monotony, which I believe is a big problem.

As for whether we should adapt a parliamentary system with regards to the executive branch, I am currently undecided. My inclination is to shake things up, judging by the malaise Atlasia is currently in, but I have always been supportive of seperate legislative and executive branches. However, judging by the overall ineffectiveness of the President over the course of Atlasia's history, I would certainly be open to a different method of determining a national leader.

[Akno21]

I forgot to ask this earlier.  Do you believe that the SoFA should send a PM to every registered voter reminding them to vote in a federal election?

No. If candidates wish to do that, more power to them, but I do not believe it is in the job description of the SoFA. I do not think there needs to be an official method for notifying voters of an election. Voters should be paying enough attention to find out for themselves.