Proposal for Publicly Financed Elections

Edward Chaplin's  Proposal for Publicly Financed Elections

Chaplin proposes that every registered San Diego voter be given $25 in vouchers, that they could give to whichever candidate they chose, for mayor, city attorney, or City Council.   He said, "It would make every voter in San Diego part of the donor class."  He said the program would cost no more than $6 million per year.  

Although an interesting idea to get voters involved, there are several problems with this scheme.  

First, people, in general, don't respect money they are given, whether in vouchers, gift cards, or cash.  That is why the majority of lottery winners go through any money they win within three years.  People could easily give vouchers to people they know would be willing to give favors of some kind.  (Yes, corruption still exists.)  Some enterprising, but corrupt, person could offer $5 or $10 cash for a voucher donated to a particular candidate, to boost that candidate's coffers.

Second, many people wouldn't use the vouchers at all.  Although the taxpayers have been taxed, the money is wasted.  At best, ends  up in a slush fund.  It appears this proposal is another well-meaning, but deluded way, to fleece taxpayers.  Perhaps I'm wrong.  Is there a way to reimburse tax payers the unused voucher money?  Yeah, I didn't think so.

Third, people who are clueless as to the backgrounds and positions of the candidates might donate to the person who's name is the most familiar, likeable, or simply a member of a particular party, thus defeating the purpose of the voucher, which is to get informed voters involved to elect new blood.