OpEdNews - Page 2 of Article: Counting votes in secret - PHOTO

To clarify the issue of observation in non-partisan elections, last year this state passed SB1053, opening observation beyond parties in non-partisan elections. The bill changed Arizona Revised Statute 16-621, "Proceedings At The Counting Center." Pima County's Brad Nelson then applied his own restrictive interpretation on the state's clarification. He now claims that "counting center" does not include what goes on in polling places after the polls close. Basically, he claims that the only portion of the observation process is the central tabulator – the system that adds up all the polling place results.

This flies in the face of any number of statutes; for the record, ARS 16-601 is an old bit of code laying down a general public transparency principle. For the rest, I'm including for your reference at the end of this item a letter by former Arizona state representative Ted Downing.

But really, the details don't matter. The principle that BALLOTS MUST NOT BE HANDLED IN SECRET OR BEHIND CLOSED BLINDS is universally understood.

In a final twist, Nelson attempted to buck-pass the issue to the town clerks involved. He coached them on their positions, convinced them to take his position, phrased their language for them.

I can also say with certainty that the legislators who supported the prior reform effort will be outraged at Nelson's nit-pick dismantling of their intent, and with any luck the Pima Board of Supervisors who employ Nelson may finally figure out from this latest abuse that he simply cannot be trusted with the engine of democracy.

As it stands now, Pima County elections violate the rights of the public. If there are no consequences, Pima County will have undemocratic elections. Please help us call these violations to the attention of the media and the authorities.

LET THERE BE CONSEQUENCES

To help you do this, I have provided a list of contacts for you. Because we are fighting for our inalienable rights, which are under attack from certain politicians, we recommend sending your letter to multiple layers of authority. To help you write your e-mails or letters, I have provided Ted Downing's letter on this issue.

Black Box Voting asks each of you – and especially those who live in South Tucson and Marana, to let the South Tucson and Marana city councils involved in this abuse know that you are outraged. Key points for short letters and e-mails:

- There is no place for secrecy in elections. It is an offense and and outrage against democratic principles.
- Pima County Elections Director Brad Nelson's office has counseled and persuaded poll workers and town clerks to act in violation of the most basic principles of democracy, hiding poll-closing activities behind closed doors with shuttered windows.
- We seek remedy. We seek consequences. Such actions violate our rights, such actions violate basic principles of democracy, and these actions violate Arizona law.
- Without consequences, laws become meaningless.
- We ask for your help to invoke consequences on public officials who violate our rights.

CONTACTS:

Pima County news editors

Chuck Gray, Majority Leader in the Arizona Senate cgray@azleg.gov
Senator Jorge Garcia jgarcia@azleg.gov
(Please note that it's their law opening non-partisan elections to observation that is being twisted beyond recognition by local officials – they need to be made aware of this fact.)

Pima County Board of Supervisors:
Ann Day - Ann.Day@pima.gov
Ramón O. Valadez dist2@pima.gov
Sharon Bronson district3@pima.gov
Ray Carroll district4@pima.gov
Richard Elias district5@pima.gov

These are the people who employ Brad Nelson, who was ultimately behind this secretive process.

Mr. Downing's letter:

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Counting votes in secret - PHOTO - 'Let there be consequences'