Wilson Delays Motor Voter Law

Gov. Pete Wilson’s decision to hold up implementation of the “motor voter law,” during an election year no less, is an outrage (Aug. 26).

If voter turnout in California was anything to brag about, Wilson might be justified in waiting for federal funds to implement the law. But, it’s not. In truth, voter turnout in California is something of a national disgrace. We just held a primary in June with the lowest turnout in more than four decades. In this primary, only 6.2% of the eligible voters voted for Wilson and only 5.5% voted for Kathleen Brown.

This isn’t a mandate, it’s an embarrassment. With turnout so consistently low, we are quickly reaching the point where the very legitimacy of election results can and should be called into question. In deciding not to implement the “motor voter law,” Wilson is risking the legitimacy of California government to make a political point with the feds.

Wilson says he’s looking out for the California taxpayer, but he may also be looking out for his political career. Who knows, if the “motor voter law” actually worked to boost registration and then turnout, the governor might be looking for a new job come January. Wilson won the 1990 gubernatorial election and the 1994 primary with low turnouts and may want to make sure turnout stays just as low in November.

Generally speaking, the lower the turnout the more likely it is for an incumbent to win reelection and the easier it is for high-priced political consultants--the mercenaries of modern electoral democracy--to manipulate the electorate to a favorable outcome. No elected official has any incentive to increase turnout for these very reasons.

Consequently, Wilson’s latest effort at political self-preservation is both predictable and understandable, even if highly lamentable. Once again, the governor seems intent on sacrificing the long-term goal of enhanced legitimacy for the entire governing apparatus of the state to serve his short-term career interests.

MARK P. PETRACCA

Irvine