For Ballot-Maker: Vote to qrtxian! Indeed he did a great job so far

-__-, I only have one question, how should we address you, as your username is rather hard to pronounce?

I have to disagree Councilor Noctilucus, Councilor Sarcastic Face is not hard to pronounce at all.

How about Councilor SarcFa?   

Councilor Carlos, thank you for the translation!

- Fine by me if you join in -__-.  I'll add you to the list of councilors.

- Congratulations on your appointment to ballot-maker, qrtxian.  Shall we call it Balloteer for short?  It's an honor and a responsibility.  If you're willing, I'd like to have the balloteer also be in charge of ensuring an accurate tally as the votes come in.  Maybe you'd also be in charge of closing the election in the case that one or more councilors don't check in to vote in a timely manner.  I'll leave it to the council to decide.

To make the process easier to follow, I'd like to propose some rules for voting. 

1) I like qrtxian's idea of having councilors sign the ballot to indicate their vote and make it easier to tell who has voted.  The ballot should list the issues and have a place for councilors to sign either FOR or AGAINST a measure. (the council or balloteer can decide the exact terms)

2) Councilors should copy the ballot from the last person who voted and add their signatures.  No need to rewrite the ballot and no chance for it to be changed in transcription.

3) Make your arguments in a separate space.  Don't break up the ballot with comments after each item.

4) Once a vote is cast, it is cast.  No changing votes or editing the ballot.  Listen to arguments before voting and consider your decisions wisely.

5) To get an issue on the ballot, it should be proposed and seconded.  The exact wording/nature of the issue should then be established.

6) Amendments/Addenda - I see these as separate sub-issues.  Maybe list them under the main issue and vote separately?

Those are my ideas for now.  Here is a sample of what this session's ballot would have looked like:

Before voting:

Research:

Dr. Malar's Research Plan:

FOR(AYE,YES):  AGAINST(NAY,NO):

Councilor TMS2224's Compromise Research Plan: Withdrawn - wouldn't have appeared on the ballot under the new system.

Budget and Development

No Social Funding:

FOR:  AGAINST:

Increased Espionage:

FOR:  AGAINST:

No Advanced Projects:

FOR:  AGAINST:

Colonization and Exploration

Colonization of Currently Known Worlds:

FOR:  AGAINST:

Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan:

FOR:  AGAINST:

After voting:

Research:

Dr. Malar's Research Plan:

FOR(AYE,YES): qrtxian, LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, Master1223wr AGAINST(NAY,NO):

Councilor TMS2224's Compromise Research Plan: Withdrawn - wouldn't have appeared on the ballot under the new system.

Budget and Development

No Social Funding:

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, Master1223wr AGAINST:

Increased Espionage:

FOR: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224 Master123wr AGAINST: LordCarlos, Noctilucus

No Advanced Projects:

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, Master1223wr AGAINST:

Colonization and Exploration

Colonization of Currently Known Worlds:

FOR: Master1223wr AGAINST: qrtxian (assumed), LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224

Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan:

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224 AGAINST: Master1223wr

I agree with all of Tolmekian's comments about the ballot. It is a great system and WAY easier to count than the last one. I also belive that the Ballotier should announce the winning Issue(s). For Example:

THE WINNIG ISSUE(S)<1st Quarterly Session>

Research:

Dr. Malar's Research Plan

Budget and Development:

No Social Funding

No Advanced Projects

Colonization and Exploration:

Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan

Ammendments:

LordCarlos's Ammendment to Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan

Etcetera

The way I see it, the amendments and addenda would be discussed beforehand and included on the ballot in such a way that making comments isn't necessary.  A vote should be yes or no based on the issue as listed on the ballot and not conditional to extra comments inserted into the ballot during a vote.  It isn't practical for a couple reasons:

- Say the third voter decides to tack on an amendment.  Now the first two voters either don't get a say on the amendment or they have to go back and vote again.  What if they want to change the amendment?  Now the third voter has to go back and address it. What we have is a discussion of the issue and not a vote.  Amendments and addenda ought to be proposed before the ballot is finalized.

- If councilors don't copy the ballot and sign FOR or AGAINST, then I have to go back with a pen and paper to tally the votes and track which councilors voted.  If everyone is making comments on the ballot and stuffing amendments in during the vote, then I also have to write down all the comments and conditions and try to make sense of it.  It's kind of a pain.  If we add a few more councilors it will just become too tedious.

This ballot isn't a perfect example for the very reason that people did comment on the ballot and stuff amendments in.  So my example ballot makes it look like I disregarded people's comments.  Let's just use the colonization issue as an example.  After discussion it may have looked like this:

Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan:

FOR: AGAINST:

Amendment - 12 week limit to colonization plan:

FOR: AGAINST:

Actually, maybe it would have been decided to include the amendment as part of the plan before the ballot was drawn up.  That way, no amendment or comment would show up on the ballot.

Edit to add: Seems TMS2224 changed his reply while I was putting this together.  I'll just leave it up as support for my proposal.

Thank you for your votes, Councilors. My intention has always been to serve this council to the best of my abilities, and I shall endeavor to so as both the official balloteer and as a councilor.

I believe the above plan is the best way to organize the ballot, and will implement it as our next session begins. I will amend it, however, to make FOR and AGAINST on different lines. While this slightly lengthens the ballot, it will make it easier to read which councilors support an issue. For example:

Councilor qrtxian's Colonization Plan:

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224

AGAINST: Master1223wr

 I also intend to set a limit on discussion at 12 comments per session though this number will, of course, be fluid.

In other words, there should be no more then 12 posts discussing a set of issues before the ballot is finalized and votes are cast. With the current number of 8 councilors this should keep each meeting a forum page or less - enough to keep the thread at a suitable size. As I said this won't be a hard and fast rule, just a guideline.

On the subject of amendments, all will be included as sub-issues under the relevant proposal. Since the ballot will be finalized when discussion ends, there should be no issue with amendments added or withdrawn during voting.

TMS2224's Research Deviation Proposal

Councilor qrtxian, I would like to propose a motion that would be put on the next ballot. The motion would go under Research. It is as follows. We deviate from Dr. Malar's Plan and research up to Stinger One, then we go back to Dr. Malar's Plan.

I second TMS2224's Research Deviation Proposal.

Thanks for letting me join!

I really don't care what you call me, but I like SarcFa, as TMS2224 suggested.

Hope the next session is soon.

Again with your non-sense councilor. I look foward to the vote so that i can vote against your watefull policies.

Councilor TMS2224 - Your measure may be outdated by the time of the next ballot, as the next council session won't occur until after Commander Mekoides delivers the current report. However, if not I will make sure to add it.

Looks like the council may be getting ahead of itself again - better hurry up with the next 12 turns!

Councilor, Please don't insult me. I simply wish to protect the Initiative. Also, if my proposal is outdated by the time of the next session then I will retract it. Now stop insulting me please, I hate being compared with inatimate objects like nuts, plus I am allergic to nuts.

Seriously, insult me again and I won't be so reasonable with my votes next time.

I don't think you really mean that Counsilor TMS2224, are you really implying that you will take an unresanoable approach on our next meeeting, just because the counsilor offended you?

***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

***02 APR 2227***

Cmdr Mekoides

  We've received the results of the first council session and are moving ahead as directed.

  See you again in three months, councilors.

***END TRANSMISSION***

A wise remark Councilor Qrtxian! While I can understand everyone's dedication and passion to look ahead, it would seem more practical to wait until we have received news from Commander Mekoides and tailor our proposals to the situation at hand.

Councilor SarcFa and Councilor A Scherer, I reccomend you join the party that REALLY cares about the Initiative's future. That would be the Advocates. However if you wish to remain independent of all Political Parties then the Advocates will understand.

I will wait to join a political party until I think it is necessary.  As of now since we have not made contact with any other races I believe we should focus on building our economy, so if the time comes where we have to fight we can afford it. 

Also there are other less militaristic ways to take control of space, such as making the other races be enamored with our culture so they rebel against their leaders and join us.  There is also the diplomatic path of alliances to victory.

If I read correctly all win conditions except ascension are on, right?

Also if we absolutely must have weapon technologies we can take the route of trading for them with other races that we have good relations with.

"Councilor, Please don't insult me. I simply wish to protect the Initiative. Also, if my proposal is outdated by the time of  the next session then I will retract it. Now stop insulting me please, I hate being compared with inatimate objects like nuts, plus I am allergic to nuts.

Seriously, insult me again and I won't be so reasonable with my votes next time."

Forgive me for my comment, Councilor. I was merely jesting and speaking candidly to my fellow Coalition members. I will refrain from it in the future if it offends you.

Lol, the nut thing was funny. But seriously, chill out.

I do notice, however, you are laying a far greater insult on us:

"Councilor SarcFa and Councilor A Scherer, I reccomend you join the party that REALLY cares about the Initiative's future. That would be the Advocates. However if you wish to remain independent of all Political Parties then the Advocates will understand."

You suggest we don't care about the Initiative's future? That is a pathetic, offensive smear that pales in comparison to my comment. We care just as much about the Initiative as you do, but believe in a different way of ensuring its survival and success. As well, your suggestion that joining the Advocates or remaining independent are the only two options is unfair. Please refrain from pressuring new council members, they can make their own decisions.

"i would like to see all councilors that really care about this project join"-Lord Carlos

Well, Councilor, I see that you haven't read the message that announces the formation of your party. I am merley borrowing a comment.

Also, I seriously am allergic to nuts. Please, in the future if you wish to compare me to inatimate objects compare me to a children's book. I quite like books.

I see. This petty squabble should be terminated immediately; it is a waste of both of our time. And filling up this thread.

***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***

***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***

***JULY 01, 2227***

Cmdr Mekoides

  Councilors.  We've made excellent progress this quarter.  We currently have 4 colony ships carrying out councilor qrtxian's plan.  The fourth was extra, as we had the Space Miner retrofitted after the Exterra asteroid mines were complete.  Many new worlds have been discovered, but none yet that are both of sufficient quality and habitable with current technologies.  Our options in this area are dwindling, but we've crafted a proposal to finalize our exploration and begin claiming worlds for the Initiative. A process which, I will add, shall be greatly accelerated due to breakthroughs in our research program.

  First I'll present the current status of the initiative, then Dr. Malar will provide details of our successes, followed by Viceroy Gunray's assessment of our economic situation.  We're also testing a new method of transmission - breaking our update into packets to make the amount of data being sent more manageable.  So don't be alarmed if there are any interruptions, it's all part of the plan.

  The quarterly report.  Our assessors insist on compiling it and presenting it to me, so I keep sending it.  Eventually they'll have some actual data to assess.  Perhaps then they'll manage to provide us with something useful.

  The local starmap.  I've had the astronomers provide the star names and planet quality designations.  You'll notice we've discovered a purple star.  They tell me it's a big deal, but they also told me we're about a hundred million years to late to reap the benefits.  Dr. Malar will have more information.

Our colonization proposal is to have our current colony ships conclude their exploration with the last few stars in their vicinity, then claim the best planets we have knowledge of.  Our second wave of colony ships will then proceed to "back-fill" the remaining planets while our flagship, the Kushana, continues exploration northeast of us.  What follows are details of the proposal.

  Here is a close-up of the area west of Exterra.  Unexplored systems are indicated in white on the map.  Blue lines indicate the course of our leading ships, while red lines indicate the proposed path of future colony ships as they claim worlds starting from the most distant and proceeding to the nearest planets.

  Here's the eastern front.  The Kushana has already reached the limit of her range and is ready to swing around toward what we have dubbed the Corridor Systems.  You'll see more detail of those on the next map.  We may have the Kushana move to investigate an anomaly just located by our colony ship prior to heading out.  The colony ship will continue to explore until it finds a habitable planet.  This is on the edge of Thalan space, so it's here or nowhere.  We have a second colony ship en route to claim an addition world, but no follow up ships are planned unless we find three worlds we simply can't hand to the Thalans.

  Here is the greater galactic map.  As you can see, our galactic rivals are making progress as we deliberate.  I remain confident in our position and recommend decisive action by the council as we reach this critical juncture.  Our current ships are indicated in blue.  You'll also see a third set of arrows, in green.  These indicate a possible expedition to the Corridor Systems, should the Kushana find anything of import there.

You can see on this map the scope of our exploration.  If we can lay claim to outlying worlds and secure our core systems, we should have a solid foundation for future expansion.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

Dr. Markus Malar

  Yes, councilors . . . I'll uh, start with the Canopus system - the purple star Commander Mekoides referred to.  There's not a lot to explain, unfortunately.  For reasons we haven't yet determined, these purple stars often support planets of extremely high quality.  That certainly seems to be the case in the Canopus system, but as the Commander mentioned, we're too late to benefit . . . yet.  It seems the Canopus system does, in fact, harbor a high quality planet.  It also seems that this planet experienced a collision with a smaller planetoid a few hundred million years ago, which we have named Apophis.  The result is a barren shadow of a once magnificent planet with an asteroid field where other planets may have moons.  You'll see the Apophis asteroids on the map.  With the right technology we can still exploit the benefits of Canopus, but for now we can only mark it on our maps.

  As for our research, there has been a slight . . . deviation from my proposed research plan.  When plotting the course for our colony ships, it was noted that it would take three to four months to reach our intended goals.  We assembled a team to tackle this issue, and a young researcher proposed a brilliant innovation that would allow our navigators to trim weeks off of these journeys. With this in mind, Commander Mekoides and I decided to focus our research on Interstellar Navigation, diverting funds from construction to speed research.  I . . . stand by my decisions and take full responsibility for the actions of my team, though I expect the council will be pleased with our results.  We had a breakthrough in only three weeks that allowed our ships to manage an additional parsec per week.  We also opened the way for construction of Navigation Centers to further enhance our ship speeds.

  After our breakthrough, we were able to keep funding a robust research program without compromising our colonization efforts.  We finished our research on Planetary Improvements, then finished our preliminary research on Interstellar Warfare.  Realizing the great benefits of bringing our best minds together to address pressing issues made us keen to establish our War Rooms.  Consultation with Viceroy Gunray assured us that our economy was stable and capable of sustaining our efforts for some time, so we went forward with work to establish the War Rooms, and should be able to get them up-and-running in two weeks.  I'll give a brief research summary before moving on.

Research Summary: Interstellar Navigation->Planetary Improvements->Interstellar Warfare->War Rooms.

  The list of currently accessible technologies and the time it would take to research them at our current pace.  Our options are growing as we unlock the basic technologies required to function in this region of space.

  Because I am privy to the deliberations of the council, I have included projections of the research proposed by the Advocates.  As you can see, we could design and implement rudimentary space weaponry fairly easily.  Moving on to more advanced weapons, while a significant advantage for our fleet, is no mean accomplishment.

Given these circumstances, my current recommendation would be to complete my proposal by finishing War Rooms, then Xeno Economics.  After that, perhaps either Sensors I, or Xeno Research.  Xeno Research would fuel our efforts and open the way to Xeno Biology and other advancements that could fuel our population growth on new colonies.  I leave those matters for the council to deliberate.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Viceroy Nute Gunray

  Thank you, councilors.  Our economy has remained stable since our last report, though still running a slight deficit.  Though I agreed that we could handle a delay to allocate research toward speeding our colonization, I still urge that we continue on to research Xeno Economics.  I understand that freighter construction may be low priority at present, but I will always remind the council of the importance of trade once we have contacted our closest neighbors.  Allow me to present some economic data along with some proposals for your consideration.

  Our current economic outlook.  We have been monitoring taxation and general approval ratings, aiming to keep approval over 75%.  As you can see, we will be forced to lower taxes yet again to sustain vigorous growth.  Our population continues to outpace the rate of emigration due to colonization efforts, but our income  is lower overall due to tax reductions.

You can also see we have allocated spending toward espionage.  We should have an agent ready before the end of the year.

  Here is a proposed economic plan to allow for some social development.  As you can see, current projects are unaffected by the change in spending.  Future projects may be delayed by a week, but we feel the delay to be justified by the benefits of our proposed social developments.

  One proposed development is a Navigation Center.  We could finish one in the third quarter at our proposed level of spending.  All ships tied to Exterra would be capable of traveling an additional one parsec per week with navigational support.

  Another development is the establishment of Exterra as our Economic Capital.  This move makes sense, since Exterra is likely to be one of our most populous planets and center of our trading network.  We could establish the capital by the end of the year.

Thank you councilors.  I look forward to your remarks on our proposals.

Cmdr Mekoides:

  We'll take any questions, councilors.

Until next we speak.

***END TRANSMISSION***