In somewhat particular order:
#1 Dividing voting period into two separate phases (and perhaps doubling the duration). The first phase would function normally as it does now, meaning anyone can take citizenship and vote during the election process. However, after 50% of the duration has gone, no one can become citizen anymore for the remainder of the time left, but everyone already citizen can still vote.
Perhaps a system like this could remove the element of last minute citizenship flooding to secure the position.
#2 In a similar vein to remove last minute surprises, perhaps to simply not allow any new citizens during a voting process. It could be argued that any new additions to a settlement (as citizens) during elections have not participated in any meaningful way that should allow them to try for leadership, etc.
#3 Also, perhaps it might be worth looking into ways to make citizenship more positive idea for the current settlement leader. Right now, it would appear that citizens only cost resources and pose a possible threat to your position.
Could it be that citizens generate income, for instance? Perhaps some other positive boons to have citizens for other than to back you up with votes?
#4 Perhaps there could be a timer that a character needs to be a citizen for before he can elect to run for leadership position? For instance, 1 IG year in which time it can be considered that the character has been part of the community for long enough that he is a viable candidate? (Just a random bloke who took the citizenship during the elections and running for mayor seems kinda a bit weird).
Finally, perhaps there could be a way to include the NPC populace into the settlement RP. Reason I bring this up is that when my character was still a Banite mayor of a settlement, quite frequently we were blamed for being tyrants and oppressing the populace, but there is never any tangible proof of these accusations.
Thus, might it be possible to integrate types of goverments to choose from that have an impact on the NPC populace? For instance, perhaps the Banite ruler chooses to have a Tyranny, which would then have either visual impact or something other tangible that tells that "this is a Tyranny."
I Realize such thing to implement could be impossible, but just food for thought.
To summarize though, some elements that make the citizenship system look more fun and beneficial for the settlement would be nice to have. I'd really want to have a reason to try to get as many citizens in my town as I can, because right now it would very much seem the opposite.
Especially now that the citizenship is permanent. The settlements should fight over possible citizens, instead of trying to control the citizenship count and prevent random people from taking part.
My two cents. Thanks for reading!
