None of the Above

- In Depth -

This article is part of an in-depth discussion of NOTA both by Voters For: None of the Above and others, including endorsements of NOTA as well as discussions of issues and concerns related to implementing NOTA. We believe that a free and open discussion of NOTA, both for and against, will provide the best foundation for NOTA as law.

Contact indepth@nota.org to suggest an item for inclusion in the "In Depth" section or as a link. We also plan to add a newsgroup for NOTA to allow for an unmediated exchange of ideas.

The Union Leader - New Hampshire Sunday News, Editorial, May 18, 1992 (full text):

By NACKEY S. LOEB

It is two years away but other states are once again making unkind remarks about our first-in-the-nation Presidential Primary. Naturally, they are frustrated over having to take seriously the voters of little New Hampshire.

In truth, they should be very grateful. For nearly 40 years, New Hampshire has chosen the candidate who eventually wins the rest of the nation's vote and makes it to the White House. We have proved worthy of the job. Since the rest of the country, like it or not looks to New Hampshire for trends and for results, we think the state should make our primary even more telling and more interesting. We should add "None of the Above'' to the list of candidates. This change could well serve the nation's political prognosticators. No longer would there be so much guesswork as to the real popularity of a primary winner. The pundits would be able to see for themselves whether voters supported a candidate or simply voted for him because his competition was worse. Such a change would serve New Hampshire voters, too. If no one measured our to the nation's needs, we would have the opportunity to show our lack of enthusiasm without having to sit at home.

The politicians won't like this idea, because ""None of the Above'' might win a primary or two, which might result in better candidates down the road. Let's try it.