Fwd: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input
This is excellent, well thought out. Now let’s see who is humble enough to lead. On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:14 PM john.phillips--- via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
Forward of an email with detailed convention thoughts from Avens Obrien.
Lots of interesting thoughts for consideration.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Avens O'Brien <avens.obrien@gmail.com> Date: May 8, 2020 8:59 PM Subject: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input To: john.phillips@lp.org Cc:
Hi John -
Per your suggestion on Facebook, I am submitting this in an email for you to forward on to the rest of the LNC.
I posted this on Facebook earlier today and it has received positive feedback. The original link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/avobrien/posts/10100329054914256
I apologize for the length, I am reviewing the problems around the convention, the downsides of proposed solutions, and finally a breakdown of the actual processes involved in my proposed solution.
I am aware that others have suggested things like what I am suggesting. I have dived a bit deeper into the details, I believe.
As a long-time member, delegate of several years and volunteer, I would be happy to assist the convention committee or anyone in implementing these ideas or related but alternative solutions.
The content of my original post is below.
Best, Avens O'Brien Former Vice Chair, LPNH 2006-2008 CA Delegate to National, 2020
________________________________
PROBLEM:
The Libertarian Party was supposed to have an in-person convention over Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 21st) in Austin TX. We are unable to do that, due to restrictions by the city of Austin or state of TX in the face of Covid-19.
This convention is where we select our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, where we select new LNC officers/reps, and deliberate/vote on changes to our bylaws, platform, and more. It is also a substantial fundraiser.
We also have a really great time partying and seeing each other in person since we spend so much time bickering online and it’s really nice to get the real life experience of each other. I have come away from each national convention liking my fellow Libertarians so much more than I often do arguing online.
So, unfortunately, we will have no in-person convention during Memorial Day weekend.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #1
One alternative solution is to move the date of the in-person convention. We do not yet know how long travel or gathering restrictions are going to last, and even when they have been lifted, we don’t yet know how many delegates would not be able to attend due to health concerns (themselves or those they live with) and also adjusting for new travel location and time.
Besides the possibility that attendance will be lowered, this creates an issue of perhaps a poor representation of the delegates if, say, all older delegates do not attend due to health concerns.
This also creates issues with ballot access for some states (which is also being worked on) and even more: campaign time. Waiting until July or August to nominate minimizes the amount of time our nominee has to campaign/take donations/try to get media attention towards themselves and the Party.
I will attend any in-person convention that occurs, because I have low person risk of major Covid-19 complications, the ability to quarantine myself, and an annoying sense of duty to ensure my voice as a delegate is represented no matter what.
I realize others cannot make that same choice.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #2
A second alternative solution is to have an all-online convention using video meeting software like Zoom. This would allow delegates (and alternates) to log in from their computers at home and participate in floor discuss, debates, votes etc. This would allow people to participate wherever they are without travel restrictions or health concerns.
This also has issues: 1000 people logging in to participate, proposed resolutions, debate, discussion, votes? In the in-person convention hall it has its own faults, but there’s also controls: limited microphones, a stage from which the meeting is run, and the self-restraint that is (somewhat) created by the fact that individuals attending actually had to pay to get there, and aren’t going to do things that would get them thrown out. We DO behave ourselves better in person than we do online.
There may or may not also be issues if there’s an online-convention with states (or state parties) recognizing the delegate vote on the presidential and vice presidential nominees.
Also, let’s be honest: the national convention IN PERSON is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the party. There are NUMEROUS avenues, from gala dinners to pie-throwing afterparties, where we make money, and an online convention DOES make that harder.
________________________________
PROBLEMS VS SOLUTIONS
Along the way, observing this, I have been disappointed in the amount of “problem seeking” behavior rather than “solution seeking” behavior of some people inside the party and on the LNC.
Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to online convention will disrupt one. Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to an in-person convention will emphasize the risks, the ballot-concerns. These ARE valid: online conventions can be disrupted in ways IRL (in real life) ones can’t. There may be ballot issues, health risks, and representation problems.
Ultimately, it appears that many people may refuse to acknowledge the result of a vote cast in either situation, claiming it’s not representative, or within order, or whatever.
No matter what way we decide: we will have huge numbers of this convention feeling disenfranchised, poorly represented, or potentially ignored, and this may affect support for our candidates.
What can be done about that?
________________________________
A BETTER SOLUTION
I can’t honestly see that either an exclusively online or exclusively in-person option will work.
As someone who has attended years and years of National and State conventions, here is my preferred solution – one that utilizes online voting and possibly in-person confirmations.
We have an online vote among delegates for our President/Vice President candidates, and then potentially move the in-person convention to later in the year.
BUT BASIC POLLING ISN’T ENOUGH. There are things we need to be able to do that basic polling does not allow.
________________________________
ONLINE VOTE PROCESS:
First – state delegate chairs or state party chairs need to ensure they have the best contact information for their delegates – both email and phone. We need to confirm methods of communication, and we ALSO need to be VERY communicative about timelines.
We should make our decisions about when these things will be happening and then giving, say, a week notice so that people can make sure they’re looking out.
SO, I’m going to suggest timelines here, which are not binding, they are examples:
We tell delegates this weekend, that P/VP nomination process will be occurring beginning on May 21st, and a calendar for the next dates is then created based on this start date. This calendar of the timeline should be PUBLIC, posted on the LNC website and emailed to delegates, alternates AND even party members (who have an interest in observing).
________________________________
TOKENS
So, normally at a National Convention, the delegates receive tokens, which they can use NOT for their vote for President and VP, but to determine who they want in the official LNC debate. This narrows the field for the debate.
We need to emulate this process. Delegates (only) should have the ability to give their tokens via a vote distributed via email. Perhaps the link to the vote is sent to the email on file, but the password to login is called or texted, reducing chances of hacking or others using their code. There are multiple ways to validate votes.
Let’s say this is emailed out on May 21st. Delegates will have 24 hours to respond – I highly recommend someone from each state is determined by each state party to call/email/remind delegates to do this. I would agree to do this for CA if needed.
The LNC collects the results of the token vote. This determines (based on number of tokens received) who is in the main debate. There is a minimum number required from the conventions that I can’t remember right now (30?). This would be the same.
________________________________
DEBATE
The LNC hosts a live Zoom debate (say on the 23rd) using a moderator who was going to be chosen for the in-person debate anyway. The only participants will be the debate moderator and the candidates who qualified. This will be recorded, for distribution to the delegates.
SPEECHES
At each convention, we allow the candidates (I believe anyone who was nominated and then seconded?) to address the convention in a limited speech (5 mins?) in which they can speak themselves, or have others speak on their behalf.
Candidates would be given the right to prepare a video of the same length as the usual speech, which could potentially feature other people who speak on their behalf, or might be a well-produced campaign video. Whatever they want, within the time limitations. These videos will be hosted on various video platforms, and collected by the LNC.
________________________________
VOTE #1
The LNC, on May 24th, would then send out an email to all members, with a link to the debate, as well as a link to each candidate video. Also, to the delegates: a link to the first Presidential vote. (Again, perhaps requiring a password that was sent separately, again to better validate the votes).
The delegates would have 48 hours (or perhaps 24 hours) to vote (this allows for what usually happens during an in person convention – internal caucus and campaign lobbying can occur via phone calls and emails). This puts us at the 26th if we’re doing 48 hour votes.
The results of this vote would be emailed to the delegates/members (and shared on social media) and then if another round is required, we do the same thing we would do at the in-person convention, with a slightly different timeline: candidates have say, 12 hours to send new time-limited videos dropping out/endorsing anyone, before another round of voting.
This continues in the same fashion until we have determined our nominee by over 50% of the delegate vote. The same process occurs for the VP spot.
This should land us into the very beginning of June with our results.
________________________________
POTENTIAL IN-PERSON CONVENTION
Once the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates are chosen, we can begin petition collecting or ballot efforts or campaigning and volunteers and whatever the heck we need to begin doing to support them.
We plan for an in-person convention in, say, August or even September. This allows us to do platform, bylaws, officer elections. We can also certify the vote made in late May/early June regarding our P/VP nominees.
This in-person convention can also have the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as the keynotes, and operate much like other conventions: celebrating an already determined nominee, and generating press and interest for that. As well as fundraising.
THE BIG IF:
IF as we get into June, we find that an in-person convention is less likely even as far out as July or August or September, we still have a much longer timeline for determining what changes we need to make when: perhaps officer elections also become an online process like P/VP.
Perhaps a motion is made to reserve bylaw and platform changes to the 2022 convention in order to acknowledge this unprecedented event globally, and then we do some sort of online state chair convention to ratify the P/VP election. I’m not sure, but the fact is we can spend months figuring out the right solution for THAT. We just can’t spend months waiting on our Presidential/VP ticket.
Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, questions, or help.
I look forward to learning what the LNC decides.
Best, Avens O'Brien CA Delegate 2020 Former LPNH Vice Chair, 2006-2008 818.308.5098 | avens.obrien@gmail.com
...
Avens O'Brien http://www.avens.me
Mr. Anderson this is exactly what a majority of LNC members have already been discussing, and it has nothing to do with humility but with honouring our bylaws. On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:02 PM Phillip Anderson via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
This is excellent, well thought out. Now let’s see who is humble enough to lead.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:14 PM john.phillips--- via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
Forward of an email with detailed convention thoughts from Avens Obrien.
Lots of interesting thoughts for consideration.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Avens O'Brien <avens.obrien@gmail.com> Date: May 8, 2020 8:59 PM Subject: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input To: john.phillips@lp.org Cc:
Hi John -
Per your suggestion on Facebook, I am submitting this in an email for you to forward on to the rest of the LNC.
I posted this on Facebook earlier today and it has received positive feedback. The original link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/avobrien/posts/10100329054914256
I apologize for the length, I am reviewing the problems around the convention, the downsides of proposed solutions, and finally a breakdown of the actual processes involved in my proposed solution.
I am aware that others have suggested things like what I am suggesting. I have dived a bit deeper into the details, I believe.
As a long-time member, delegate of several years and volunteer, I would be happy to assist the convention committee or anyone in implementing these ideas or related but alternative solutions.
The content of my original post is below.
Best, Avens O'Brien Former Vice Chair, LPNH 2006-2008 CA Delegate to National, 2020
________________________________
PROBLEM:
The Libertarian Party was supposed to have an in-person convention over Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 21st) in Austin TX. We are unable to do that, due to restrictions by the city of Austin or state of TX in the face of Covid-19.
This convention is where we select our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, where we select new LNC officers/reps, and deliberate/vote on changes to our bylaws, platform, and more. It is also a substantial fundraiser.
We also have a really great time partying and seeing each other in person since we spend so much time bickering online and it’s really nice to get the real life experience of each other. I have come away from each national convention liking my fellow Libertarians so much more than I often do arguing online.
So, unfortunately, we will have no in-person convention during Memorial Day weekend.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #1
One alternative solution is to move the date of the in-person convention. We do not yet know how long travel or gathering restrictions are going to last, and even when they have been lifted, we don’t yet know how many delegates would not be able to attend due to health concerns (themselves or those they live with) and also adjusting for new travel location and time.
Besides the possibility that attendance will be lowered, this creates an issue of perhaps a poor representation of the delegates if, say, all older delegates do not attend due to health concerns.
This also creates issues with ballot access for some states (which is also being worked on) and even more: campaign time. Waiting until July or August to nominate minimizes the amount of time our nominee has to campaign/take donations/try to get media attention towards themselves and the Party.
I will attend any in-person convention that occurs, because I have low person risk of major Covid-19 complications, the ability to quarantine myself, and an annoying sense of duty to ensure my voice as a delegate is represented no matter what.
I realize others cannot make that same choice.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #2
A second alternative solution is to have an all-online convention using video meeting software like Zoom. This would allow delegates (and alternates) to log in from their computers at home and participate in floor discuss, debates, votes etc. This would allow people to participate wherever they are without travel restrictions or health concerns.
This also has issues: 1000 people logging in to participate, proposed resolutions, debate, discussion, votes? In the in-person convention hall it has its own faults, but there’s also controls: limited microphones, a stage from which the meeting is run, and the self-restraint that is (somewhat) created by the fact that individuals attending actually had to pay to get there, and aren’t going to do things that would get them thrown out. We DO behave ourselves better in person than we do online.
There may or may not also be issues if there’s an online-convention with states (or state parties) recognizing the delegate vote on the presidential and vice presidential nominees.
Also, let’s be honest: the national convention IN PERSON is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the party. There are NUMEROUS avenues, from gala dinners to pie-throwing afterparties, where we make money, and an online convention DOES make that harder.
________________________________
PROBLEMS VS SOLUTIONS
Along the way, observing this, I have been disappointed in the amount of “problem seeking” behavior rather than “solution seeking” behavior of some people inside the party and on the LNC.
Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to online convention will disrupt one. Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to an in-person convention will emphasize the risks, the ballot-concerns. These ARE valid: online conventions can be disrupted in ways IRL (in real life) ones can’t. There may be ballot issues, health risks, and representation problems.
Ultimately, it appears that many people may refuse to acknowledge the result of a vote cast in either situation, claiming it’s not representative, or within order, or whatever.
No matter what way we decide: we will have huge numbers of this convention feeling disenfranchised, poorly represented, or potentially ignored, and this may affect support for our candidates.
What can be done about that?
________________________________
A BETTER SOLUTION
I can’t honestly see that either an exclusively online or exclusively in-person option will work.
As someone who has attended years and years of National and State conventions, here is my preferred solution – one that utilizes online voting and possibly in-person confirmations.
We have an online vote among delegates for our President/Vice President candidates, and then potentially move the in-person convention to later in the year.
BUT BASIC POLLING ISN’T ENOUGH. There are things we need to be able to do that basic polling does not allow.
________________________________
ONLINE VOTE PROCESS:
First – state delegate chairs or state party chairs need to ensure they have the best contact information for their delegates – both email and phone. We need to confirm methods of communication, and we ALSO need to be VERY communicative about timelines.
We should make our decisions about when these things will be happening and then giving, say, a week notice so that people can make sure they’re looking out.
SO, I’m going to suggest timelines here, which are not binding, they are examples:
We tell delegates this weekend, that P/VP nomination process will be occurring beginning on May 21st, and a calendar for the next dates is then created based on this start date. This calendar of the timeline should be PUBLIC, posted on the LNC website and emailed to delegates, alternates AND even party members (who have an interest in observing).
________________________________
TOKENS
So, normally at a National Convention, the delegates receive tokens, which they can use NOT for their vote for President and VP, but to determine who they want in the official LNC debate. This narrows the field for the debate.
We need to emulate this process. Delegates (only) should have the ability to give their tokens via a vote distributed via email. Perhaps the link to the vote is sent to the email on file, but the password to login is called or texted, reducing chances of hacking or others using their code. There are multiple ways to validate votes.
Let’s say this is emailed out on May 21st. Delegates will have 24 hours to respond – I highly recommend someone from each state is determined by each state party to call/email/remind delegates to do this. I would agree to do this for CA if needed.
The LNC collects the results of the token vote. This determines (based on number of tokens received) who is in the main debate. There is a minimum number required from the conventions that I can’t remember right now (30?). This would be the same.
________________________________
DEBATE
The LNC hosts a live Zoom debate (say on the 23rd) using a moderator who was going to be chosen for the in-person debate anyway. The only participants will be the debate moderator and the candidates who qualified. This will be recorded, for distribution to the delegates.
SPEECHES
At each convention, we allow the candidates (I believe anyone who was nominated and then seconded?) to address the convention in a limited speech (5 mins?) in which they can speak themselves, or have others speak on their behalf.
Candidates would be given the right to prepare a video of the same length as the usual speech, which could potentially feature other people who speak on their behalf, or might be a well-produced campaign video. Whatever they want, within the time limitations. These videos will be hosted on various video platforms, and collected by the LNC.
________________________________
VOTE #1
The LNC, on May 24th, would then send out an email to all members, with a link to the debate, as well as a link to each candidate video. Also, to the delegates: a link to the first Presidential vote. (Again, perhaps requiring a password that was sent separately, again to better validate the votes).
The delegates would have 48 hours (or perhaps 24 hours) to vote (this allows for what usually happens during an in person convention – internal caucus and campaign lobbying can occur via phone calls and emails). This puts us at the 26th if we’re doing 48 hour votes.
The results of this vote would be emailed to the delegates/members (and shared on social media) and then if another round is required, we do the same thing we would do at the in-person convention, with a slightly different timeline: candidates have say, 12 hours to send new time-limited videos dropping out/endorsing anyone, before another round of voting.
This continues in the same fashion until we have determined our nominee by over 50% of the delegate vote. The same process occurs for the VP spot.
This should land us into the very beginning of June with our results.
________________________________
POTENTIAL IN-PERSON CONVENTION
Once the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates are chosen, we can begin petition collecting or ballot efforts or campaigning and volunteers and whatever the heck we need to begin doing to support them.
We plan for an in-person convention in, say, August or even September. This allows us to do platform, bylaws, officer elections. We can also certify the vote made in late May/early June regarding our P/VP nominees.
This in-person convention can also have the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as the keynotes, and operate much like other conventions: celebrating an already determined nominee, and generating press and interest for that. As well as fundraising.
THE BIG IF:
IF as we get into June, we find that an in-person convention is less likely even as far out as July or August or September, we still have a much longer timeline for determining what changes we need to make when: perhaps officer elections also become an online process like P/VP.
Perhaps a motion is made to reserve bylaw and platform changes to the 2022 convention in order to acknowledge this unprecedented event globally, and then we do some sort of online state chair convention to ratify the P/VP election. I’m not sure, but the fact is we can spend months figuring out the right solution for THAT. We just can’t spend months waiting on our Presidential/VP ticket.
Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, questions, or help.
I look forward to learning what the LNC decides.
Best, Avens O'Brien CA Delegate 2020 Former LPNH Vice Chair, 2006-2008 818.308.5098 | avens.obrien@gmail.com
...
Avens O'Brien http://www.avens.me
-- *In Liberty,* * Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
Madame Secretary, I’m well aware of who has been discussing what. The humility I’d like to see is members of this committee setting aside commitments to positions already taken in order to move forward with business entrusted to it. On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 10:16 PM Caryn Ann Harlos <caryn.ann.harlos@lp.org> wrote:
Mr. Anderson this is exactly what a majority of LNC members have already been discussing, and it has nothing to do with humility but with honouring our bylaws.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:02 PM Phillip Anderson via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
This is excellent, well thought out. Now let’s see who is humble enough to lead.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:14 PM john.phillips--- via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
Forward of an email with detailed convention thoughts from Avens Obrien.
Lots of interesting thoughts for consideration.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Avens O'Brien <avens.obrien@gmail.com> Date: May 8, 2020 8:59 PM Subject: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input To: john.phillips@lp.org Cc:
Hi John -
Per your suggestion on Facebook, I am submitting this in an email for you to forward on to the rest of the LNC.
I posted this on Facebook earlier today and it has received positive feedback. The original link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/avobrien/posts/10100329054914256
I apologize for the length, I am reviewing the problems around the convention, the downsides of proposed solutions, and finally a breakdown of the actual processes involved in my proposed solution.
I am aware that others have suggested things like what I am suggesting. I have dived a bit deeper into the details, I believe.
As a long-time member, delegate of several years and volunteer, I would be happy to assist the convention committee or anyone in implementing these ideas or related but alternative solutions.
The content of my original post is below.
Best, Avens O'Brien Former Vice Chair, LPNH 2006-2008 CA Delegate to National, 2020
________________________________
PROBLEM:
The Libertarian Party was supposed to have an in-person convention over Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 21st) in Austin TX. We are unable to do that, due to restrictions by the city of Austin or state of TX in the face of Covid-19.
This convention is where we select our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, where we select new LNC officers/reps, and deliberate/vote on changes to our bylaws, platform, and more. It is also a substantial fundraiser.
We also have a really great time partying and seeing each other in person since we spend so much time bickering online and it’s really nice to get the real life experience of each other. I have come away from each national convention liking my fellow Libertarians so much more than I often do arguing online.
So, unfortunately, we will have no in-person convention during Memorial Day weekend.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #1
One alternative solution is to move the date of the in-person convention. We do not yet know how long travel or gathering restrictions are going to last, and even when they have been lifted, we don’t yet know how many delegates would not be able to attend due to health concerns (themselves or those they live with) and also adjusting for new travel location and time.
Besides the possibility that attendance will be lowered, this creates an issue of perhaps a poor representation of the delegates if, say, all older delegates do not attend due to health concerns.
This also creates issues with ballot access for some states (which is also being worked on) and even more: campaign time. Waiting until July or August to nominate minimizes the amount of time our nominee has to campaign/take donations/try to get media attention towards themselves and the Party.
I will attend any in-person convention that occurs, because I have low person risk of major Covid-19 complications, the ability to quarantine myself, and an annoying sense of duty to ensure my voice as a delegate is represented no matter what.
I realize others cannot make that same choice.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #2
A second alternative solution is to have an all-online convention using video meeting software like Zoom. This would allow delegates (and alternates) to log in from their computers at home and participate in floor discuss, debates, votes etc. This would allow people to participate wherever they are without travel restrictions or health concerns.
This also has issues: 1000 people logging in to participate, proposed resolutions, debate, discussion, votes? In the in-person convention hall it has its own faults, but there’s also controls: limited microphones, a stage from which the meeting is run, and the self-restraint that is (somewhat) created by the fact that individuals attending actually had to pay to get there, and aren’t going to do things that would get them thrown out. We DO behave ourselves better in person than we do online.
There may or may not also be issues if there’s an online-convention with states (or state parties) recognizing the delegate vote on the presidential and vice presidential nominees.
Also, let’s be honest: the national convention IN PERSON is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the party. There are NUMEROUS avenues, from gala dinners to pie-throwing afterparties, where we make money, and an online convention DOES make that harder.
________________________________
PROBLEMS VS SOLUTIONS
Along the way, observing this, I have been disappointed in the amount of “problem seeking” behavior rather than “solution seeking” behavior of some people inside the party and on the LNC.
Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to online convention will disrupt one. Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to an in-person convention will emphasize the risks, the ballot-concerns. These ARE valid: online conventions can be disrupted in ways IRL (in real life) ones can’t. There may be ballot issues, health risks, and representation problems.
Ultimately, it appears that many people may refuse to acknowledge the result of a vote cast in either situation, claiming it’s not representative, or within order, or whatever.
No matter what way we decide: we will have huge numbers of this convention feeling disenfranchised, poorly represented, or potentially ignored, and this may affect support for our candidates.
What can be done about that?
________________________________
A BETTER SOLUTION
I can’t honestly see that either an exclusively online or exclusively in-person option will work.
As someone who has attended years and years of National and State conventions, here is my preferred solution – one that utilizes online voting and possibly in-person confirmations.
We have an online vote among delegates for our President/Vice President candidates, and then potentially move the in-person convention to later in the year.
BUT BASIC POLLING ISN’T ENOUGH. There are things we need to be able to do that basic polling does not allow.
________________________________
ONLINE VOTE PROCESS:
First – state delegate chairs or state party chairs need to ensure they have the best contact information for their delegates – both email and phone. We need to confirm methods of communication, and we ALSO need to be VERY communicative about timelines.
We should make our decisions about when these things will be happening and then giving, say, a week notice so that people can make sure they’re looking out.
SO, I’m going to suggest timelines here, which are not binding, they are examples:
We tell delegates this weekend, that P/VP nomination process will be occurring beginning on May 21st, and a calendar for the next dates is then created based on this start date. This calendar of the timeline should be PUBLIC, posted on the LNC website and emailed to delegates, alternates AND even party members (who have an interest in observing).
________________________________
TOKENS
So, normally at a National Convention, the delegates receive tokens, which they can use NOT for their vote for President and VP, but to determine who they want in the official LNC debate. This narrows the field for the debate.
We need to emulate this process. Delegates (only) should have the ability to give their tokens via a vote distributed via email. Perhaps the link to the vote is sent to the email on file, but the password to login is called or texted, reducing chances of hacking or others using their code. There are multiple ways to validate votes.
Let’s say this is emailed out on May 21st. Delegates will have 24 hours to respond – I highly recommend someone from each state is determined by each state party to call/email/remind delegates to do this. I would agree to do this for CA if needed.
The LNC collects the results of the token vote. This determines (based on number of tokens received) who is in the main debate. There is a minimum number required from the conventions that I can’t remember right now (30?). This would be the same.
________________________________
DEBATE
The LNC hosts a live Zoom debate (say on the 23rd) using a moderator who was going to be chosen for the in-person debate anyway. The only participants will be the debate moderator and the candidates who qualified. This will be recorded, for distribution to the delegates.
SPEECHES
At each convention, we allow the candidates (I believe anyone who was nominated and then seconded?) to address the convention in a limited speech (5 mins?) in which they can speak themselves, or have others speak on their behalf.
Candidates would be given the right to prepare a video of the same length as the usual speech, which could potentially feature other people who speak on their behalf, or might be a well-produced campaign video. Whatever they want, within the time limitations. These videos will be hosted on various video platforms, and collected by the LNC.
________________________________
VOTE #1
The LNC, on May 24th, would then send out an email to all members, with a link to the debate, as well as a link to each candidate video. Also, to the delegates: a link to the first Presidential vote. (Again, perhaps requiring a password that was sent separately, again to better validate the votes).
The delegates would have 48 hours (or perhaps 24 hours) to vote (this allows for what usually happens during an in person convention – internal caucus and campaign lobbying can occur via phone calls and emails). This puts us at the 26th if we’re doing 48 hour votes.
The results of this vote would be emailed to the delegates/members (and shared on social media) and then if another round is required, we do the same thing we would do at the in-person convention, with a slightly different timeline: candidates have say, 12 hours to send new time-limited videos dropping out/endorsing anyone, before another round of voting.
This continues in the same fashion until we have determined our nominee by over 50% of the delegate vote. The same process occurs for the VP spot.
This should land us into the very beginning of June with our results.
________________________________
POTENTIAL IN-PERSON CONVENTION
Once the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates are chosen, we can begin petition collecting or ballot efforts or campaigning and volunteers and whatever the heck we need to begin doing to support them.
We plan for an in-person convention in, say, August or even September. This allows us to do platform, bylaws, officer elections. We can also certify the vote made in late May/early June regarding our P/VP nominees.
This in-person convention can also have the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as the keynotes, and operate much like other conventions: celebrating an already determined nominee, and generating press and interest for that. As well as fundraising.
THE BIG IF:
IF as we get into June, we find that an in-person convention is less likely even as far out as July or August or September, we still have a much longer timeline for determining what changes we need to make when: perhaps officer elections also become an online process like P/VP.
Perhaps a motion is made to reserve bylaw and platform changes to the 2022 convention in order to acknowledge this unprecedented event globally, and then we do some sort of online state chair convention to ratify the P/VP election. I’m not sure, but the fact is we can spend months figuring out the right solution for THAT. We just can’t spend months waiting on our Presidential/VP ticket.
Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, questions, or help.
I look forward to learning what the LNC decides.
Best, Avens O'Brien CA Delegate 2020 Former LPNH Vice Chair, 2006-2008 818.308.5098 | avens.obrien@gmail.com
...
Avens O'Brien http://www.avens.me
--
*In Liberty,*
* Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
I can never set aside bylaws. Ever. The government does that. Not Libertarians. Libertarians honor contracts. Plus I have just been informed of certain sworn statements I will be required to submit to states about our nomination. I dare anyone to humbly suggest I need to commit perjury for expediency. I have some choice words for anyone who does. You are asking me to risk my career. And before the snark comes in, I was elected to the position and I won’t resign so someone else can commit perjury. I ask staff to provide me copies of the forms that had to be signed last cycle. I want to see what I have to swear to. Humility has nothing to do with member rights. On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 11:24 PM Phillip Anderson <phillip.anderson@lp.org> wrote:
Madame Secretary, I’m well aware of who has been discussing what. The humility I’d like to see is members of this committee setting aside commitments to positions already taken in order to move forward with business entrusted to it.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 10:16 PM Caryn Ann Harlos <caryn.ann.harlos@lp.org> wrote:
Mr. Anderson this is exactly what a majority of LNC members have already been discussing, and it has nothing to do with humility but with honouring our bylaws.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:02 PM Phillip Anderson via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
This is excellent, well thought out. Now let’s see who is humble enough to lead.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:14 PM john.phillips--- via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
Forward of an email with detailed convention thoughts from Avens Obrien.
Lots of interesting thoughts for consideration.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Avens O'Brien <avens.obrien@gmail.com> Date: May 8, 2020 8:59 PM Subject: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input To: john.phillips@lp.org Cc:
Hi John -
Per your suggestion on Facebook, I am submitting this in an email for you to forward on to the rest of the LNC.
I posted this on Facebook earlier today and it has received positive feedback. The original link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/avobrien/posts/10100329054914256
I apologize for the length, I am reviewing the problems around the convention, the downsides of proposed solutions, and finally a breakdown of the actual processes involved in my proposed solution.
I am aware that others have suggested things like what I am suggesting. I have dived a bit deeper into the details, I believe.
As a long-time member, delegate of several years and volunteer, I would be happy to assist the convention committee or anyone in implementing these ideas or related but alternative solutions.
The content of my original post is below.
Best, Avens O'Brien Former Vice Chair, LPNH 2006-2008 CA Delegate to National, 2020
________________________________
PROBLEM:
The Libertarian Party was supposed to have an in-person convention over Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 21st) in Austin TX. We are unable to do that, due to restrictions by the city of Austin or state of TX in the face of Covid-19.
This convention is where we select our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, where we select new LNC officers/reps, and deliberate/vote on changes to our bylaws, platform, and more. It is also a substantial fundraiser.
We also have a really great time partying and seeing each other in person since we spend so much time bickering online and it’s really nice to get the real life experience of each other. I have come away from each national convention liking my fellow Libertarians so much more than I often do arguing online.
So, unfortunately, we will have no in-person convention during Memorial Day weekend.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #1
One alternative solution is to move the date of the in-person convention. We do not yet know how long travel or gathering restrictions are going to last, and even when they have been lifted, we don’t yet know how many delegates would not be able to attend due to health concerns (themselves or those they live with) and also adjusting for new travel location and time.
Besides the possibility that attendance will be lowered, this creates an issue of perhaps a poor representation of the delegates if, say, all older delegates do not attend due to health concerns.
This also creates issues with ballot access for some states (which is also being worked on) and even more: campaign time. Waiting until July or August to nominate minimizes the amount of time our nominee has to campaign/take donations/try to get media attention towards themselves and the Party.
I will attend any in-person convention that occurs, because I have low person risk of major Covid-19 complications, the ability to quarantine myself, and an annoying sense of duty to ensure my voice as a delegate is represented no matter what.
I realize others cannot make that same choice.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #2
A second alternative solution is to have an all-online convention using video meeting software like Zoom. This would allow delegates (and alternates) to log in from their computers at home and participate in floor discuss, debates, votes etc. This would allow people to participate wherever they are without travel restrictions or health concerns.
This also has issues: 1000 people logging in to participate, proposed resolutions, debate, discussion, votes? In the in-person convention hall it has its own faults, but there’s also controls: limited microphones, a stage from which the meeting is run, and the self-restraint that is (somewhat) created by the fact that individuals attending actually had to pay to get there, and aren’t going to do things that would get them thrown out. We DO behave ourselves better in person than we do online.
There may or may not also be issues if there’s an online-convention with states (or state parties) recognizing the delegate vote on the presidential and vice presidential nominees.
Also, let’s be honest: the national convention IN PERSON is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the party. There are NUMEROUS avenues, from gala dinners to pie-throwing afterparties, where we make money, and an online convention DOES make that harder.
________________________________
PROBLEMS VS SOLUTIONS
Along the way, observing this, I have been disappointed in the amount of “problem seeking” behavior rather than “solution seeking” behavior of some people inside the party and on the LNC.
Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to online convention will disrupt one. Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to an in-person convention will emphasize the risks, the ballot-concerns. These ARE valid: online conventions can be disrupted in ways IRL (in real life) ones can’t. There may be ballot issues, health risks, and representation problems.
Ultimately, it appears that many people may refuse to acknowledge the result of a vote cast in either situation, claiming it’s not representative, or within order, or whatever.
No matter what way we decide: we will have huge numbers of this convention feeling disenfranchised, poorly represented, or potentially ignored, and this may affect support for our candidates.
What can be done about that?
________________________________
A BETTER SOLUTION
I can’t honestly see that either an exclusively online or exclusively in-person option will work.
As someone who has attended years and years of National and State conventions, here is my preferred solution – one that utilizes online voting and possibly in-person confirmations.
We have an online vote among delegates for our President/Vice President candidates, and then potentially move the in-person convention to later in the year.
BUT BASIC POLLING ISN’T ENOUGH. There are things we need to be able to do that basic polling does not allow.
________________________________
ONLINE VOTE PROCESS:
First – state delegate chairs or state party chairs need to ensure they have the best contact information for their delegates – both email and phone. We need to confirm methods of communication, and we ALSO need to be VERY communicative about timelines.
We should make our decisions about when these things will be happening and then giving, say, a week notice so that people can make sure they’re looking out.
SO, I’m going to suggest timelines here, which are not binding, they are examples:
We tell delegates this weekend, that P/VP nomination process will be occurring beginning on May 21st, and a calendar for the next dates is then created based on this start date. This calendar of the timeline should be PUBLIC, posted on the LNC website and emailed to delegates, alternates AND even party members (who have an interest in observing).
________________________________
TOKENS
So, normally at a National Convention, the delegates receive tokens, which they can use NOT for their vote for President and VP, but to determine who they want in the official LNC debate. This narrows the field for the debate.
We need to emulate this process. Delegates (only) should have the ability to give their tokens via a vote distributed via email. Perhaps the link to the vote is sent to the email on file, but the password to login is called or texted, reducing chances of hacking or others using their code. There are multiple ways to validate votes.
Let’s say this is emailed out on May 21st. Delegates will have 24 hours to respond – I highly recommend someone from each state is determined by each state party to call/email/remind delegates to do this. I would agree to do this for CA if needed.
The LNC collects the results of the token vote. This determines (based on number of tokens received) who is in the main debate. There is a minimum number required from the conventions that I can’t remember right now (30?). This would be the same.
________________________________
DEBATE
The LNC hosts a live Zoom debate (say on the 23rd) using a moderator who was going to be chosen for the in-person debate anyway. The only participants will be the debate moderator and the candidates who qualified. This will be recorded, for distribution to the delegates.
SPEECHES
At each convention, we allow the candidates (I believe anyone who was nominated and then seconded?) to address the convention in a limited speech (5 mins?) in which they can speak themselves, or have others speak on their behalf.
Candidates would be given the right to prepare a video of the same length as the usual speech, which could potentially feature other people who speak on their behalf, or might be a well-produced campaign video. Whatever they want, within the time limitations. These videos will be hosted on various video platforms, and collected by the LNC.
________________________________
VOTE #1
The LNC, on May 24th, would then send out an email to all members, with a link to the debate, as well as a link to each candidate video. Also, to the delegates: a link to the first Presidential vote. (Again, perhaps requiring a password that was sent separately, again to better validate the votes).
The delegates would have 48 hours (or perhaps 24 hours) to vote (this allows for what usually happens during an in person convention – internal caucus and campaign lobbying can occur via phone calls and emails). This puts us at the 26th if we’re doing 48 hour votes.
The results of this vote would be emailed to the delegates/members (and shared on social media) and then if another round is required, we do the same thing we would do at the in-person convention, with a slightly different timeline: candidates have say, 12 hours to send new time-limited videos dropping out/endorsing anyone, before another round of voting.
This continues in the same fashion until we have determined our nominee by over 50% of the delegate vote. The same process occurs for the VP spot.
This should land us into the very beginning of June with our results.
________________________________
POTENTIAL IN-PERSON CONVENTION
Once the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates are chosen, we can begin petition collecting or ballot efforts or campaigning and volunteers and whatever the heck we need to begin doing to support them.
We plan for an in-person convention in, say, August or even September. This allows us to do platform, bylaws, officer elections. We can also certify the vote made in late May/early June regarding our P/VP nominees.
This in-person convention can also have the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as the keynotes, and operate much like other conventions: celebrating an already determined nominee, and generating press and interest for that. As well as fundraising.
THE BIG IF:
IF as we get into June, we find that an in-person convention is less likely even as far out as July or August or September, we still have a much longer timeline for determining what changes we need to make when: perhaps officer elections also become an online process like P/VP.
Perhaps a motion is made to reserve bylaw and platform changes to the 2022 convention in order to acknowledge this unprecedented event globally, and then we do some sort of online state chair convention to ratify the P/VP election. I’m not sure, but the fact is we can spend months figuring out the right solution for THAT. We just can’t spend months waiting on our Presidential/VP ticket.
Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, questions, or help.
I look forward to learning what the LNC decides.
Best, Avens O'Brien CA Delegate 2020 Former LPNH Vice Chair, 2006-2008 818.308.5098 | avens.obrien@gmail.com
...
Avens O'Brien http://www.avens.me
--
*In Liberty,*
* Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
--
*In Liberty,* * Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
This is exactly what was referred to in Mr. Smith's email. *In Liberty,* * Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. * On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 8:29 AM <dustin.nanna@lp.org> wrote:
The proposal put forth by Avens is EXACTLY what I'd like to see happen in my perfect utopia. The delegates will have control of the agenda once we gavel in but I trust them to make good decisions. We could even recommend (not demand) as the LNC in any motion we make, that the delegates rearrange the agenda for expediency.
On May 9, 2020 2:31 AM, Caryn Ann Harlos via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
I can never set aside bylaws. Ever. The government does that. Not Libertarians. Libertarians honor contracts.
Plus I have just been informed of certain sworn statements I will be required to submit to states about our nomination.
I dare anyone to humbly suggest I need to commit perjury for expediency. I have some choice words for anyone who does. You are asking me to risk my career. And before the snark comes in, I was elected to the position and I won’t resign so someone else can commit perjury.
I ask staff to provide me copies of the forms that had to be signed last cycle. I want to see what I have to swear to.
Humility has nothing to do with member rights.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 11:24 PM Phillip Anderson <phillip.anderson@lp.org>
wrote:
Madame Secretary, I’m well aware of who has been discussing what. The humility I’d like to see is members of this committee setting aside commitments to positions already taken in order to move forward with business entrusted to it.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 10:16 PM Caryn Ann Harlos < caryn.ann.harlos@lp.org> wrote:
Mr. Anderson this is exactly what a majority of LNC members have already been discussing, and it has nothing to do with humility but with honouring our bylaws.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:02 PM Phillip Anderson via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
This is excellent, well thought out. Now let’s see who is humble enough to lead.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:14 PM john.phillips--- via Lnc-business < lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
Forward of an email with detailed convention thoughts from Avens Obrien.
Lots of interesting thoughts for consideration.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Avens O'Brien <avens.obrien@gmail.com> Date: May 8, 2020 8:59 PM Subject: LNC 2020 Convention Solution Input To: john.phillips@lp.org Cc:
Hi John -
Per your suggestion on Facebook, I am submitting this in an email for you to forward on to the rest of the LNC.
I posted this on Facebook earlier today and it has received positive feedback. The original link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/avobrien/posts/10100329054914256
I apologize for the length, I am reviewing the problems around the convention, the downsides of proposed solutions, and finally a breakdown of the actual processes involved in my proposed solution.
I am aware that others have suggested things like what I am suggesting. I have dived a bit deeper into the details, I believe.
As a long-time member, delegate of several years and volunteer, I would be happy to assist the convention committee or anyone in implementing these ideas or related but alternative solutions.
The content of my original post is below.
Best, Avens O'Brien Former Vice Chair, LPNH 2006-2008 CA Delegate to National, 2020
________________________________
PROBLEM:
The Libertarian Party was supposed to have an in-person convention over Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 21st) in Austin TX. We are unable to do that, due to restrictions by the city of Austin or state of TX in the face of Covid-19.
This convention is where we select our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, where we select new LNC officers/reps, and deliberate/vote on changes to our bylaws, platform, and more. It is also a substantial fundraiser.
We also have a really great time partying and seeing each other in person since we spend so much time bickering online and it’s really nice to get the real life experience of each other. I have come away from each national convention liking my fellow Libertarians so much more than I often do arguing online.
So, unfortunately, we will have no in-person convention during Memorial Day weekend.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #1
One alternative solution is to move the date of the in-person convention. We do not yet know how long travel or gathering restrictions are going to last, and even when they have been lifted, we don’t yet know how many delegates would not be able to attend due to health concerns (themselves or those they live with) and also adjusting for new travel location and time.
Besides the possibility that attendance will be lowered, this creates an issue of perhaps a poor representation of the delegates if, say, all older delegates do not attend due to health concerns.
This also creates issues with ballot access for some states (which is also being worked on) and even more: campaign time. Waiting until July or August to nominate minimizes the amount of time our nominee has to campaign/take donations/try to get media attention towards themselves and the Party.
I will attend any in-person convention that occurs, because I have low person risk of major Covid-19 complications, the ability to quarantine myself, and an annoying sense of duty to ensure my voice as a delegate is represented no matter what.
I realize others cannot make that same choice.
________________________________
ALTERNATIVE #2
A second alternative solution is to have an all-online convention using video meeting software like Zoom. This would allow delegates (and alternates) to log in from their computers at home and participate in floor discuss, debates, votes etc. This would allow people to participate wherever they are without travel restrictions or health concerns.
This also has issues: 1000 people logging in to participate, proposed resolutions, debate, discussion, votes? In the in-person convention hall it has its own faults, but there’s also controls: limited microphones, a stage from which the meeting is run, and the self-restraint that is (somewhat) created by the fact that individuals attending actually had to pay to get there, and aren’t going to do things that would get them thrown out. We DO behave ourselves better in person than we do online.
There may or may not also be issues if there’s an online-convention with states (or state parties) recognizing the delegate vote on the presidential and vice presidential nominees.
Also, let’s be honest: the national convention IN PERSON is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the party. There are NUMEROUS avenues, from gala dinners to pie-throwing afterparties, where we make money, and an online convention DOES make that harder.
________________________________
PROBLEMS VS SOLUTIONS
Along the way, observing this, I have been disappointed in the amount of “problem seeking” behavior rather than “solution seeking” behavior of some people inside the party and on the LNC.
Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to online convention will disrupt one. Many of the people who are adamantly opposed to an in-person convention will emphasize the risks, the ballot-concerns. These ARE valid: online conventions can be disrupted in ways IRL (in real life) ones can’t. There may be ballot issues, health risks, and representation problems.
Ultimately, it appears that many people may refuse to acknowledge the result of a vote cast in either situation, claiming it’s not representative, or within order, or whatever.
No matter what way we decide: we will have huge numbers of this convention feeling disenfranchised, poorly represented, or potentially ignored, and this may affect support for our candidates.
What can be done about that?
________________________________
A BETTER SOLUTION
I can’t honestly see that either an exclusively online or exclusively in-person option will work.
As someone who has attended years and years of National and State conventions, here is my preferred solution – one that utilizes online voting and possibly in-person confirmations.
We have an online vote among delegates for our President/Vice President candidates, and then potentially move the in-person convention to later in the year.
BUT BASIC POLLING ISN’T ENOUGH. There are things we need to be able to do that basic polling does not allow.
________________________________
ONLINE VOTE PROCESS:
First – state delegate chairs or state party chairs need to ensure they have the best contact information for their delegates – both email and phone. We need to confirm methods of communication, and we ALSO need to be VERY communicative about timelines.
We should make our decisions about when these things will be happening and then giving, say, a week notice so that people can make sure they’re looking out.
SO, I’m going to suggest timelines here, which are not binding, they are examples:
We tell delegates this weekend, that P/VP nomination process will be occurring beginning on May 21st, and a calendar for the next dates is then created based on this start date. This calendar of the timeline should be PUBLIC, posted on the LNC website and emailed to delegates, alternates AND even party members (who have an interest in observing).
________________________________
TOKENS
So, normally at a National Convention, the delegates receive tokens, which they can use NOT for their vote for President and VP, but to determine who they want in the official LNC debate. This narrows the field for the debate.
We need to emulate this process. Delegates (only) should have the ability to give their tokens via a vote distributed via email. Perhaps the link to the vote is sent to the email on file, but the password to login is called or texted, reducing chances of hacking or others using their code. There are multiple ways to validate votes.
Let’s say this is emailed out on May 21st. Delegates will have 24 hours to respond – I highly recommend someone from each state is determined by each state party to call/email/remind delegates to do this. I would agree to do this for CA if needed.
The LNC collects the results of the token vote. This determines (based on number of tokens received) who is in the main debate. There is a minimum number required from the conventions that I can’t remember right now (30?). This would be the same.
________________________________
DEBATE
The LNC hosts a live Zoom debate (say on the 23rd) using a moderator who was going to be chosen for the in-person debate anyway. The only participants will be the debate moderator and the candidates who qualified. This will be recorded, for distribution to the delegates.
SPEECHES
At each convention, we allow the candidates (I believe anyone who was nominated and then seconded?) to address the convention in a limited speech (5 mins?) in which they can speak themselves, or have others speak on their behalf.
Candidates would be given the right to prepare a video of the same length as the usual speech, which could potentially feature other people who speak on their behalf, or might be a well-produced campaign video. Whatever they want, within the time limitations. These videos will be hosted on various video platforms, and collected by the LNC.
________________________________
VOTE #1
The LNC, on May 24th, would then send out an email to all members, with a link to the debate, as well as a link to each candidate video. Also, to the delegates: a link to the first Presidential vote. (Again, perhaps requiring a password that was sent separately, again to better validate the votes).
The delegates would have 48 hours (or perhaps 24 hours) to vote (this allows for what usually happens during an in person convention – internal caucus and campaign lobbying can occur via phone calls and emails). This puts us at the 26th if we’re doing 48 hour votes.
The results of this vote would be emailed to the delegates/members (and shared on social media) and then if another round is required, we do the same thing we would do at the in-person convention, with a slightly different timeline: candidates have say, 12 hours to send new time-limited videos dropping out/endorsing anyone, before another round of voting.
This continues in the same fashion until we have determined our nominee by over 50% of the delegate vote. The same process occurs for the VP spot.
This should land us into the very beginning of June with our results.
________________________________
POTENTIAL IN-PERSON CONVENTION
Once the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates are chosen, we can begin petition collecting or ballot efforts or campaigning and volunteers and whatever the heck we need to begin doing to support them.
We plan for an in-person convention in, say, August or even September. This allows us to do platform, bylaws, officer elections. We can also certify the vote made in late May/early June regarding our P/VP nominees.
This in-person convention can also have the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as the keynotes, and operate much like other conventions: celebrating an already determined nominee, and generating press and interest for that. As well as fundraising.
THE BIG IF:
IF as we get into June, we find that an in-person convention is less likely even as far out as July or August or September, we still have a much longer timeline for determining what changes we need to make when: perhaps officer elections also become an online process like P/VP.
Perhaps a motion is made to reserve bylaw and platform changes to the 2022 convention in order to acknowledge this unprecedented event globally, and then we do some sort of online state chair convention to ratify the P/VP election. I’m not sure, but the fact is we can spend months figuring out the right solution for THAT. We just can’t spend months waiting on our Presidential/VP ticket.
Please feel free to contact me for further clarification, questions, or help.
I look forward to learning what the LNC decides.
Best, Avens O'Brien CA Delegate 2020 Former LPNH Vice Chair, 2006-2008 818.308.5098 | avens.obrien@gmail.com
...
Avens O'Brien http://www.avens.me
--
*In Liberty,*
* Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
--
*In Liberty,*
* Personal Note: I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum). This can affect inter-personal communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas. If anyone found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
participants (4)
-
Caryn Ann Harlos -
dustin.nanna＠lp.org -
john.phillips＠lp.org -
Phillip Anderson