> I'm normally far more progressive than conservative, but at times like this I wish there were some penalty associated with proposing or backing a really bad bill, or with legislation by subterfuge.
I believe the intended result for this, if a sufficient portion of the represented find this behavior objectionable, is to lose one's office. This assumes an educated electorate , or at least the voting subset of the represented to be so educated and so opposed.
But oftentimes, the party of the incumbent won't run another candidate (since that might split the vote and lose the seat to the other party). So the only way to vote an incumbent out is to vote for the other party, which may also be against your interests.
You might also turn in a blank ballot. Depending on circumstance, this might be a fine way to signal to the incumbent that they did not do a Good Job, though you in general support the policy of their party. Close races, etc, will change the calculus of voting. Some states do not include blank ballots in the vote totals, others do.
An simple improvement to our voting system would be to include a 'none of the above' option on all ballot papers. If 'none of the above' should win, another ballot must be held and the original candidates are excluded from running.
I believe the intended result for this, if a sufficient portion of the represented find this behavior objectionable, is to lose one's office. This assumes an educated electorate , or at least the voting subset of the represented to be so educated and so opposed.