Vision for Ohio’s Elections

FULL PARTICIPATION is the future we see for Ohio’s elections, the place we are committed to creating. The electoral process is the very foundation of our democracy.

FULL PARTICIPATION means that the electoral system pro-actively facilitates registration and voting by all Ohio citizens.

FULL PARTICIPATION means that every vote counts, and every vote is counted accurately and verifiably.

FULL PARTICIPATION means that citizens of ordinary means and of all political persuasions have effective access to the ballot as candidates for all levels of government.

FULL PARTICIPATION means easy access for voters to comprehensive and objective information on candidates and issues that allows for informed votes.

FULL PARTICIPATION means all candidates have effective access to the media and to debates.

FULL PARTICIPATION means a voting system where voters can vote for the candidate closest to their beliefs and where the candidate elected is supported by a full majority of the voting population.

FULL PARTICIPATION means political boundaries are drawn using an objective process free of partisan political influence so that elected officials are accountable to a meaningful district.

In the fulfillment of this vision I, John Eastman, candidate for Secretary of State, make this pledge to the people of Ohio:

• I pledge to restore objectivity and unbiased integrity to the office of Secretary of State. I will accomplish this by taking a nonpartisan stance in all elections on both candidates and issues, granting to the voters the right to make their own choices.
• I pledge to be accountable only to the citizens of Ohio. I will accomplish this by accepting donations only from individual constituents.
• I pledge to facilitate voter registration for everyone who wants to be a voter. I will accomplish this by pursuing policies and procedures that make registration convenient, including same day registration with provisional ballots where needed to prevent voter fraud.
• I pledge that every registered voter who chooses to vote will be able to vote. I will accomplish this by ensuring there are sufficient voting machines, by pursuing effective provisional ballot procedures for all whose registration status is unclear including change of address or precinct location, and by creating a voter’s right to vote without loss of pay or job through a voter’s leave policy.
• I pledge that every vote will be properly counted. I will accomplish this by working for legislation requiring an effective voter verified paper trail, establishing standard independent auditing procedures for all elections on a random basis, and requiring open source codes for all elections computer software.
• I pledge to open the election process to candidates of all political persuasions, restoring electoral choice to the citizens of Ohio. I will accomplish this by working to expand democracy by removing obstacles that unreasonably restrict ballot access for independent and minor party candidates. I will also work for legislation to provide for Instant Runoff Voting that allows voters to vote their conscience first while ensuring that those elected are actually supported by a full majority of those voting.
• I pledge that voters will have full access to information on all candidates and issues. I will accomplish this by working for legislation that provides free airtime for candidates on the public airwaves, debates that include all candidates, and public funding for clean elections.