Jon Ralston

Why I'm running

Campaign Statement

I am running for Secretary of State with the Arizona Green Party because the largest group of voters in most elections are those who did not vote. Polling shows Americans want a “3rd party,” and “Independent” registrations grow. But from whom are you independent if your only choices are Democrats and Republicans? The system that the Republicans and Democrats have established is hostile and presents barriers to entry for those outside of the Republican and Democratic parties. I’m running for Secretary of State to advocate for reforms that facilitate multiple candidate elections and a multi-party Democracy. My campaign will advocate for sincere voting methods like; Ranked Choice Voting, Approval Voting, or STAR voting for single winner elections allowing multiple candidates to compete without the fear of vote splitting. Proportional Representation in multi-member districts for legislative bodies and multi-winner offices to produce more ethnic, religious, ideological, and socioeconomic diversity in our representatives. Elimination of primary elections with political parties selecting their candidates via party nominating conventions, and fair ballot access for “Independent” candidates to get on the general election ballot.

Political parties are private organizations and the public should not be subsidizing party functions. Political parties can determine their own candidate criteria and candidate selection process that they administer to select their candidate for the general election. Those outside of political parties should have fair ballot access criteria with reforms to the challenge process to enable candidates outside of the political parties to fairly compete in the political market place. Ballot verification systems like Civera or “ABE” to verify elections and fight cynicism surrounding election results. Same day voter registration. Safety and civility for election administrators/election workers.

My campaign will use the bully pulpit of the Secretary of State’s office to lobby and advocate for these reforms, to improve the political marketplace which will transform our politics and governance.