FortyJ
Deity
Alright, I broached this subject in the Timeline thread, and then figured it deserved its own thread for some proper discussion. Also, this thread totally presumes that the Calendar-based Term Schedules will remain in effect. So, if we ultimately decide to switch to another format for our election cycles, then kindly disregard this entire proposal and ensuing discussion.
Here's the current schedule:
Nominations Open: 24th of Month (22nd in Feb)
Debate Threads Open: 26th of Month (24th in Feb)
Polls Open: 29th of Month (27th in Feb)
Polls Close: last day of Month
I have two problems with this schedule: it leaves no wiggle room for runoff elections and tight races prevent the newly elected leader from knowing he/she has won until after the term has started.
A simple shift of this schedule, say 72 hours earlier, would solve both problems. Having the elections close 3 days before the end of the month would allow ample time for a runoff election and would give the newly elected leaders sufficient time to get their office in order before the term commences.
Of course, this shift would not provide us with these benefits unless we retain our original transfer of power (ie. the 1st of the Month). This will create a lame-duck period of up to 3 days, but there's no real harm in that, especially compared to the benefits of resolving all the races a little early.
In conclusion, I propose that we move the entire election schedule up 3 days, or as follows:
Nominations Open: 20th/21st of Month (18th in Feb)
Debate Threads Open: 22nd/23rd of Month (20th in Feb)
Polls Open: 25th/26th of Month (23rd in Feb)
Polls Close: end of day, 27th/28th of Month (25th in Feb)
Runoff Polls Open (if needed): 28th/29th of Month (26th in Feb)
Runoff Polls Close (if needed): End of Last Day of Month
New Leaders Take Office: First Day of Following Month
Here's the current schedule:
Nominations Open: 24th of Month (22nd in Feb)
Debate Threads Open: 26th of Month (24th in Feb)
Polls Open: 29th of Month (27th in Feb)
Polls Close: last day of Month
I have two problems with this schedule: it leaves no wiggle room for runoff elections and tight races prevent the newly elected leader from knowing he/she has won until after the term has started.
A simple shift of this schedule, say 72 hours earlier, would solve both problems. Having the elections close 3 days before the end of the month would allow ample time for a runoff election and would give the newly elected leaders sufficient time to get their office in order before the term commences.
Of course, this shift would not provide us with these benefits unless we retain our original transfer of power (ie. the 1st of the Month). This will create a lame-duck period of up to 3 days, but there's no real harm in that, especially compared to the benefits of resolving all the races a little early.
In conclusion, I propose that we move the entire election schedule up 3 days, or as follows:
Nominations Open: 20th/21st of Month (18th in Feb)
Debate Threads Open: 22nd/23rd of Month (20th in Feb)
Polls Open: 25th/26th of Month (23rd in Feb)
Polls Close: end of day, 27th/28th of Month (25th in Feb)
Runoff Polls Open (if needed): 28th/29th of Month (26th in Feb)
Runoff Polls Close (if needed): End of Last Day of Month
New Leaders Take Office: First Day of Following Month