Are Special Elections to the US Congress Necessary? Why Not Wait Until the Next Election Cycle?

Every state in the United States has a Congress, consisting of the House and Senate, each with its own unique rules for filling vacancies. However, the immediate and seemingly frequent nature of special elections raises questions about their necessity and the impact they have on the representation and interests of the people they serve.

Constitutional Rules for Filling Absences

The House and Senate have different constitutional rules for filling an absence, reflecting the democratic principles they uphold. For the House, if a representative is absent, the governor of the state must issue a 'writ of election.' This process can sometimes overlap with the next scheduled election, as seen in Pennsylvania, where a special election was held just a few months before the regular election. However, this is not always the case, and the urgency of the situation often dictates the timing of such elections.

Importance of Representation

The loss of representation can have significant consequences for constituents. Imagine a scenario in which Vermont's only representative in the House dies or the representative from Miami Beach becomes the Lieutenant Governor, and a bill is introduced about erosion or special highway restoration. In this situation, there is no voice to advocate for the interests of the affected communities. Moreover, if no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes, the US Congress votes for the President in the House, meaning Vermont would not have a voice in this critical process. The absence of a representative can also impact the balance of power in terms of committee assignments, office space, and subcommittee chairs.

Long-term Benefits of Serving in Congress

Prolonged service in Congress provides several benefits to members, including increased committee assignments, better office space, and more prestigious subcommittee chairs. If Representative Tlabi had won both her special election and the general election in 2018, instead of just the general election, she would have been at least 76 spaces higher in total seniority. This underscores the importance of having a consistent and informed voice in Congress.

Impact on Democratic Representation

A representative government relies on the principle of representation. It defeats the purpose of having a democratic system if there is a period of time where a representative is not present. Why would anyone who bothered to vote want to see their congressional seat left vacant for an extended period? Interim appointments or any form of 'acting' member do not fulfill the expectations of the voters. They did not vote for someone who would be absent, but rather for someone who would consistently represent their interests and advocate for their needs.

Conclusion

The necessity of special elections to the US Congress is a topic of ongoing debate. While there are valid arguments for the immediate filling of vacancies, the impact on representation and the democratic process cannot be overlooked. The principles of democratic representation hinge on the continuous presence of a representative. By understanding the constitutional rules and the practical implications, we can better appreciate the importance of timely and effective representation.