Direct Access Democracy is the process for electronically gathering public opinion by an elected representative on specific issues for the purpose of determining a position on an upcoming vote. Much like a non-binding plebiscite it determines the wishes of the majority on a variety of issues.  The difference in Direct Access Democracy is that the referendums are held by the elected official. The elected representative does not decide which issue is important to the people to contribute to and which is not.  The voting population at large does.  If a posted referendum reaches a quorum then and only then shall it be considered the will of the people.  Anything less may guide the representative to his decision but is not imperative that he abides by the decision.  There is nothing in the law in Canada or the US that can bind a politician to adhere to the outcome of a representative held referendum.  Though this process can.  The team at direct access democracy will disengage services to any elected official who circumvents the process to express their own will if a quorum has clearly been established. If a quorum is reached, then the public by default becomes their own representative in a Direct Access Democracy constituency.

     A quorum would be determined by the size of the constituency.  Direct Access Democracy uses a spectrum of communication technologies to deliver the power of contribution to the constituency. .From phones, internet and wireless devices the constituent is enabled to maintain a direct connection to the decision making process by being able to manipulate the vote of the representative

See the Flow charts that outline the procedure here.

"On most major issues we've dealt with in the past 50 years, the public was more likely to be right --based on the judgment of history-- than the legislatures or Congress."
George Gallup, Sr., America's leading pollster.

     Under the proposed Democratic model contained within this campaign proposal I would include the Initiative Procedure.  This Direct Access Democracy style of representation also includes the right of the voting participants to submit proposals for items to be considered for a motion to be initiated.  If  it meets the requirements then it would be put to a privately (representative run) held general non-binding referendum as to its feasibility.  If the consensus is that it is a worthwhile initiative, then it shall be brought before the governing body by the elected official..

Certain conditions may arise that eliminate the ability of an elected official to effectively gather enough feedback prior to "special" meetings like an emergency meeting or a closed meeting.  

Democracy should allow the populace to contribute when an overwhelming portion desires to do so.

Scott Malcolm Etches

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