Charleston: Nelson proposes ways to improve voter participation": We are a collective body of individuals that share a common characteristic; we are the best asset of this state, we are the citizens of this state. We all live by laws and with respect and a common cause, we strive to make our lives better. So I ask a basic question, "Why do so many people not vote?"

The key to our success is to vote. The right to vote is the right to participate in the political process. The political process is the proven way to insure balanced and fair representation. Without increasing the levels of participation we are sure to see less than satisfactory results. Too often the loud minority dictates to the silent majority. Therefore if elected I would propose the following legislation to universally increase voter participation:

[FIRST] I suggest implementing a process of picking Poll Workers just like the one used for picking Jurors. By using this proven technique we will increase voter participation by rotating new blood into the political process.

[SECOND] I suggest we replace the "Straight Ticket" voting option with a "None of the Above" option. This allows all voters to participate, while objectively judging the effectiveness of the candidates.

[THIRD] I suggest we offer a minimal "Tax Credit" to anyone who casts a ballot. While this may seem unorthodox, I believe "Voter Participation" is the power that turns the wheels of progress. "Voter Participation" is what drives "Economic Development"; we give business tax credits to increase production and business activity, why not give the people a tax credit to increase participation. I challenge everyone to sacrifice some personal time and energy to seek answers, to ask questions, to participate in the political process. Public service is an obligation and a privilege, not a right. The will of the voter makes the wheels of progress turn.

Republican Bill Nelson, a candidate for delegate in the 30th House District, said he has been thinking about ways to get more voters to the polls in West Virginia. He threw out several ideas for consideration, including the following:

• Abandon the system of using volunteers at the polls and summon workers instead, just as jurors are called for trials. More people would get exposed to the voting process that way, he said.

• Give voters the option of voting for "none of the above" in races. Citizens who stay home because they don't like the choices in a major race might go to the polls to register their protest instead, and wind up casting votes in other contests, he said.

• Create some kind of temporary tax credit for voters. "If they vote once, they would be more likely to vote again," Nelson reasoned.

Regardless of what you think of Nelson's ideas, his heart is in the right place.

"We can't just throw in the towel" on voter turnout, he said.