Campaign Proposal: The People’s Governance Act

A New Vision for Direct Democracy in Virginia

Objective:

To replace elected legislative representatives with citizen-led referendums, ensuring direct control over lawmaking while introducing a taxpayer-influenced governance system.

1. The Current Problem: Why Change the System?

The traditional two-house representative system is outdated, inefficient, and often unresponsive to the taxpayers who fund it. Elected officials:

Do not always reflect the will of the people due to political influence.
Are disconnected from taxpayers, making financial decisions that impact businesses and individuals unfairly.
Create laws without direct voter input, leading to policies that do not serve the majority’s interests.

By transitioning to a citizen-led referendum system, we can return power directly to the people who fund the government—taxpayers and residents.

2. The New Governance Model

Instead of elected representatives, Virginia will adopt a hybrid direct democracy system with two governing bodies:

1. The People’s House (Direct Referendum Chamber)

All state laws, budgets, and major policies will be passed through public referendums.
Virginia residents vote directly on legislation instead of electing representatives.
How it works:
- Proposed laws require a certain number of citizen signatures to be placed on the ballot.
- Votes are held on a rolling basis (quarterly or monthly voting system).
- Secure online and in-person voting ensures accessibility.

2. The Taxpayer Senate (Economic & Policy Advisory Council)

A non-legislative advisory body composed of taxpayers (business and individual).
Purpose: To review proposed laws and budgets before they go to public vote, ensuring financial and economic feasibility.
Who serves?
- Members are selected from registered taxpayers—both commercial and individual.
- They provide expert economic guidance, ensuring fiscal responsibility in policymaking.

3. Key Safeguards & Constitutional Compliance

This system keeps Virginia in compliance with democratic principles while increasing taxpayer control. Key features include:

✅ One Person, One Vote

All Virginia residents retain equal voting rights in referendums.
The Taxpayer Senate advises but does not vote on laws, ensuring compliance with the 14th Amendment and Equal Protection Clause.

✅ Voter-Initiated Legislation

Any Virginia citizen can propose new laws via petition.
If a proposal gets a threshold of signatures, it goes to a referendum.

✅ Online & In-Person Secure Voting

A blockchain-secured online voting system allows secure and transparent participation.
Physical polling stations remain for those who prefer traditional voting.

✅ Business & Economic Oversight Without Legislative Power

Businesses have advisory input through the Taxpayer Senate, but do not hold direct legislative power—preventing legal challenges.

✅ Checks & Balances

The Governor retains veto power, but vetoes can be overturned by a supermajority of voters.

4. Implementation Plan: Phased Transition to Direct Democracy

Phase 1: Expansion of Referendum Power (Years 1-2)

Increase the number of ballot initiatives and allow citizens to vote on more key policies.
Create the Taxpayer Senate as a pilot advisory body.

Phase 2: Transitioning Legislative Power to the People (Years 3-4)

Gradually replace the House of Delegates with direct referendums.
Ensure laws, budgets, and policies are voted on by citizens.

Phase 3: Full Implementation (Years 5+)

The General Assembly is fully replaced with direct democracy.
Taxpayer Senate remains as an advisory body, but all lawmaking power belongs to the people.

5. Benefits of This System

🔹 More Responsive Governance – Laws reflect the actual will of the people.
🔹 Eliminates Corruption – No more lobbyist-controlled politicians.
🔹 Empowers Taxpayers – Those funding the government have a voice in policymaking.
🔹 Promotes Economic Responsibility – The Taxpayer Senate ensures fiscally sound laws.
🔹 Encourages Civic Engagement – People participate directly in lawmaking.

6. Next Steps for the Campaign

🔹 Public Awareness & Education – Town halls, social media campaigns, and direct outreach.
🔹 Petition for Constitutional Amendments – Gather signatures to put these reforms on the ballot.
🔹 Engage Legal Experts – Ensure constitutional compliance and avoid legal challenges.
🔹 Pilot Small-Scale Programs – Test referendum-based governance in select localities before full implementation.

7. Call to Action: Let’s Put Power Back in the Hands of the People

This is a revolutionary shift in governance, but one that reflects the original democratic ideals of self-rule. Politicians serve themselves; direct democracy serves the people.

📢 Join the movement. Sign the petition. Vote for a future where your voice truly matters.