On August 6, Seattle held non-partisan primaries for city office, including four of the city’s nine city council seats. Seattle elects all its city council members at-large. Candidates file for one particular position, and voters vote separately for each position. Kshama Sawant, a leader of Socialist Alternative Party, polled 33% in a three-candidate race. She will now run in November against incumbent Richard Conlin in a two-person race. Conlin polled 49%. See this story. Thanks to Scott West for the news.
Not a surprise that the land of Ecotopia is liking the $ociali$t Alternative Party candidate – this is an interesting story to follow – we’ll see if she can actually win…
At large systems deny any real representation to 49.99 percent minorities.
Detroit rotted in part to having an at large 9 member city council since 1918 to now (being replaced by a 2 at large – 7 gerrymander district system).
i.e. Circa 1960 Detroit was about 40 percent black with ZERO black council members.
One result – the 1967 Detroit Riot which has now caused the bankruptcy of the regime.
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P.R. and nonpartisan App.V. in ALL regimes.
Washington’s 3rd parties are all hoping that one real 3rd partier will break down the wall so voters will actually elect any of us. She is a pioneer for all of us.
She was endorsed by 2 Socialist Parties, The Green Party, the Justice Party and the Progressive Party.
I suspect there are Libertarians, Constitution Party and other pulling for her so we can all run and think we might have a chance to win.