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Voting by Mail is no Panacea
By Mary Ann Gould (about the author) Page 1 of 1 page(s)
For OpEdNews: Mary Ann Gould - Writer
have some very deleterious results.
Greg Palast told everyone to GO to polls ... go early ...so if there
is a problem it can be addressed. Seek to avoid both absentee and
provisional ballots if at all possible.
I am very concerned that legislators are going to see VBM as quick,
cheap, attractive", sounds good to citizens, fix ...and boy will we
get "fixed"
CVI Philadelphia chapter does have members in Babette Josephs district and
they are providing info though recently legislators have been tied up
on budget.
Anyway, start listing your questions and we'll look to have VBM
knowledgeable guests, hopefully including one from Oregon, on VoV (Voice of the Voters) as soon as possible. This is an issue we need to put a spotlight on and
make sure we have good information provided.
This Wednesday, our guests include Steve Freeman of Penn- great
researcher & writer. I'll check if he has specific data on VBM and
if so, will include in the program. Mark Crispin Miller will also be
guest.
There is one fact ...VBM DOES appear to increase the number of votes
BUT the votes are for the top or "name" races and thenmthere is a
drop in voting for other offices. This is not good. It shows further
separation of voter from the real purpose of elections and also the
importance of learning about all candidates and their positions. We
need more citizen awareness and involvement in local decisions not
just th big state or national.
VBM separates voter from community, a vital element in self
governing. VBM seems in some instances to become more of a fast food
order special or an "American Idol" type popularity
contest....besides it's openness to fraud, intimidation etc etc -
especially in PA.
Yes, we're all busy. Yes, we need to make it easier for more people
to vote! But we also need informed voters who have facts recognize
the importance.
As I have said before ... The real purpose of elections and voting is
NOT the selection of candidates …that is a result. The ultimate and
true purpose is the exercise of our duty to share together in the
process of self governance. It is the basis of our representative
democracy and is built both on individual voice speaking thru vote
but also the coming together as a community.
There is something very sacred in actually going to the polling place
with your neighbors knowing together you are making serious choices.
Community is vital to democracy. We're already losing it in everyday
life. Losing it in elections process will be another nail in coffin.
Sorry for being philosophical but I believe we can find better ways
to make it convenient for voters to go to polls ...ways to reduce
wait time and lines certainly an be addressed and improved.
Having citizens observe the process including vote counting all adds
to citizens asserting their right and responsibility and sends a
clear message that as Lincoln said "Elections belong to the
people"... as does this government ...something which I think has
been forgotten
By the way, VoV seeks to provide forum for information which of
course includes guests perspective. I don't always agree with all
points made. It's very comfortable to hear only what one agrees with
yet in hearing differences, one has opportunity to evaluate and
possibly learn. America was built on discussion/debate. As long as
respectful of rights of others and done with civility, hearing
differing views can stretch our thinking or perhaps reinforce our
existing beliefs.
Regards
Mary Ann Gould, Coalition for Voting Integrity
www.voiceofthevoters.org
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
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