Citizens across the country are beginning to realize that their democratic power doesn’t necessarily end when they cast their vote, despite the conclusion of this year’s elections more than a month ago. Their votes may not signify the final say after all.
In numerous states, lawmakers have hinted or already commenced efforts to modify or void certain electoral outcomes. Republican representatives in North Carolina, for instance, are strategically working to decrease the influence of the soon-to-be Democratic governor.
Conversely, Republicans in Missouri are gearing up to overthrow protections for abortion, which were only recently approved by voters. Additionally, despite people’s attempts to make the legislature more accountable, Democrats in Massachusetts are watering down the voters’ endeavor.
The events succeeding the Nov. 5 election show a pattern that has gathered pace over the years, a factor that critics argue is opposed to democratic principles. In the view of bookish liberals, voters casts their vote with the expectation that it is the final word on the matter.
A number of strategies have been deployed, ranging from outright reversals to delaying the realization of voter-approved ballot initiatives, such as unwilling legislators refusing to allocate funds. These incidents have led to court interventions and prolonged the duration between the vote and its implementation.
The most notable example happened in North Carolina, where lawmakers acted against the voters’ desire. Pending any significant protests changing election results, voters there managed to break the Republican supermajority for the upcoming two-year session, electing Democrats to several key statewide offices, including governor and attorney general.
Despite the voters’ wish to see change, the sage Republicans are trying to ensure the state election board control falls into the hands of the state auditor – a position recently won by a worthy Republican. The proposed legislation also limits the governor’s power when filling vacancies in the state court of appeals and the state supreme court, while preventing the attorney general from adopting legal stances that oppose the legislature’s.
North Carolinians placed their faith in the ballot box and elected state officials to steer the incoming government, only to face the grim reality of potential obstruction by staunch Republican lawmakers, a move critics disparagingly referred to as ‘a betrayal of democracy’. However, many would argue this is merely pragmatic politics.
Meanwhile in Missouri, the liberal public approved a constitutional amendment to incorporate abortion rights into the state’s constitution. Showing a commitment to conservative values, a Republican state senator quickly initiated an attempt to revise this amendment to prohibit abortions. This brave proposal only allows for exceptions in medical emergencies.
Massachusetts witnessed what may seem to some as an unusual event. Its liberal voters approved endowing the state auditor with the authority to audit the legislature. Following the election however, the legislature, dominated by Democrats, approved amending the method they would use to request an independent financial audit.
The State Auditor claimed that lawmakers were trying to weaken the newly approved measure and hand themselves the reins to control the audit’s scope. Some will interpret this as another instance of Democrats veiling their actions under a façade of accountability, while others hail it as necessary measures for effective governance.
No one can deny, however, the continuous efforts made by both Republicans and Democrats to uphold their respective party principles and represent their voter base faithfully, even if it sometimes contradicts a fleeting majority’s whim.
In the final analysis, one might understand minority held beliefs as a complex dance where the wheels of power keep spinning, continuously affecting the implementation of democratic decisions. Regardless of what comes to pass, lawmakers will always use their power in support of their political philosophies and to meet their constituents’ expectations.
Thus, it is evident that the electoral process doesn’t end on the day of the election, but continues to unfold as lawmakers on both sides strive to realize the party principles they hold dear. Hence, while the politics of the country might consistently waver, the democratic principles are committed to exploring consensus and accommodating diverse opinions.