Vote No—Or Better, Don't Vote

The wonderful thing about the double majority requirement in an off-year election is that, at a minimum, 25% (plus one) of the registered voters have to vote in favor to raise taxes on all the rest of us.

At a minimum, that is. Twenty-five percent can raise our taxes only if another twenty-five percent pitch in and help by casting "NO" votes. If on the other hand everyone opposed to the levy voted "NO" by tearing up their ballots, then those in favor would have to muster the entire 50% of registered votes all on their own.

The point is obvious. If you oppose this measure, don't vote.

CORRECTION: It has been brought to my attention that this tactic won't necessarily work—it depends, like the prisoner's dilemma, on the actions of your compatriots.

Suppose 30% were in favor and 35% opposed. If everyone voted it would go down. But if 10% out of the 35% opposed tried the not-voting tactic, the measure would pass because the 25% still voting would provide the necessary turnout.

We could try holding onto our ballots until closer to election day to see what the early voting indicates about turnout. But I seem to remember from last fall that not enough information will be released in time to make a decision.

It might be better, then, to go ahead and vote NO. If today's Mail Tribune is any indication, plenty of other people plan to vote NO as well.