| We do not hold elections to determine the will of the majority. Otherwise, we would force all eligible voters to register, and all registered voters to vote, and if a candidate could not achieve a majority, we would hold a run- off. We hold elections as a mechanism widely perceived to be fair for resolving matters of controversy, primarily the composition of government, occasionally other things, like referenda or levies. We establish rules that have to be followed in order to proceed in a manner which is orderly and fair. The integrity of the process does not depend upon divining the "will of the people", but following the rules to a reasonable degree, and only with such exceptions as might be dictated by allegations of cheating, malfeasance, or the material inability to comply, for example, due to an "act of God". Thus, the Republican position is the one which is most in accord with the rule of law and our constitutional system........ |
