Here in the People's Democratic Republic of Kalifornia, an election or two ago, someone was working to get a "None of the Above" added to our ballots. Of course, it failed - but was a good idea, and right for the wrong reason (IMHO.)
As planned, NotA would have simply added the option to a ballot. A mechanism for this already exists - it's called "not marking the ballot." It is possible to vote NotA for the whole election simply by getting a ballot, and turning it in compleatly unmarked. This constitutes little more than a protest, but is possible.
Now, for a vote of NotA to be useful, it MUST be tabulated. Look at is this way -
Say there's a position to be filled on the ballot. We have four candidates, and "None of the Above." NotA takes 57% of the vote. This should immediately force a review of the position and its necessity, and the next vote on it can be to continue or to strike it. In the event of a mandatory position (Senate, House, or whatever) a runoff election should be forced with NEW candidates. What do you all think?
"Spirit of '76 - Re-elect nobody!"
FFZ