San Lumen wrote:Nobel Hobos 2 wrote:Special elections probably have the pulling power to get out 30% or so. Not such a bad idea, though I think I prefer general election day.
If an incumbent leaves before their term is up and it’s early in the year I don’t think it’s fair to leave the seat open for an entire year. In most states a special election is required
It could be almost two years, so the 'primary solution' is rather inadequate being less than one year.
I think states specify the next "regular election day" for specials, which I guess you could claim is a primary election. Or maybe "regular" rules that out. In any case I know it can be state elections, and those are sometimes held in off years.
Empty seats can be dealt with by a Governor's appointment. Imo, to avoid the problem of Governors being the other party, Senators and House members should be able to nominate some other person to take their place if they die or retire for some reason.