Five electoral reform ides from Nick Smith

Stuff reports five ideas on electoral reform from Nick Smith. They are:

1. Entrench the entire Electoral Act so any change would require a 75 per cent majority in Parliament or a referendum.
2. Ban all foreign donations to parties and candidates
3. Defer the re-drawing of electoral boundaries due to the failed census
4. Extend the Electoral Commission’s role to local elections
5. A referendum on a four-year term.

I’m reasonably supportive of all five proposals. I think for foreign donations you need a de minimis threshold, but that could be lower than the current $1,500.

I really like the idea of entrenching the entire Electoral Act. That would incentivise the parties to propose changes that don’t favour one party over another.

I’ve long advocated that the Electoral Commission should run local body elections. It would be cheaper, and more consistent.

And also a long-term advocate of a four year term. That is the most important change.

I hope National adopt these ideas as policies.