America is SUPPOSED to be the shining example of
democracy. Right?
Wrong. Our voting system, which varies from state to state, and even county to county, experienced many lapses of security/integrity on November 2nd.
Here are links to several reports on problems that occured on election day:
Employee stumbles across missing FL ballot box
http://stpetetimes.com/2004/11/16/Tampabay/Pinellas_ballot_box_s.shtml
Computer glitch gave Bush extra votes in Ohio
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/05/voting.problems.ap/
Indiana machines count Dem votes as Libertarian
http://www.indystar.com/articles/3/193880-4433-093.html
2004 U.S. Election controversies and irregularities
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_U.S._Election_controversies_and_irregularities
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Now, I want to state for the record, that this should NOT be a partisan issue. There have been many allegations since before any of us were born that one side or the other had rigged the elections in particular States, cities, or precincts. Not to mention the intentional dismissal of any third party challengers by both the Repubican and Democrtic
parties.
Why do we put up with this time after time?
Why aren't we at least discussing the changes needed to return this country back to a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
We need to discuss making the voting process
consistent throughout the whole United States. Why do we have so many different types of ballots that vary from precinct to precinct?
Also, why don't the people of America have an engaging dialogue on the antiquated "Electoral College? Maybei t does serve a purpose, or maybe it doesn't; however, it seems we would have nothing to lose by, at least, discussing the issue of whether our Elctoral process should change, remain the same, or be reformed.
Also, why doesn't the media advocate a discussion on voter reforms such as "instant run-off ballots" which would give a clearer picture of the voters true intent?
Here is a link to educate yourself on Instant Run-off Voting (IRV):
http://www.fairvote.org/irv/whatis2.htm
And why not have a discussion about those American citizens who do not have the right ot vote. Is it REALLY fair that a person loses her/his right to vote FOR LIFE if they are convicted of a felony? You may feel this is a correct punishment (in addition to the jail time and fines that a felon has recieved for their crime), but why not discuss this issue in
relationship to "taxation without representation".
And speaking of "taxation without representation", what about lowering the voting age to 16? Afterall, many 16 year olds are employed and pay their fair share of income tax. In addition, there are surely sixteen and 17 year olds pay for the property taxes on the cars they own.
I am sure there are even more things we could discover to talk about in order to truly have fair election in America.
Got any ideas?
In case you are wondering, my intent on sending this message is not to change the recent election results, but to ensure that future elections more accurately reflect the intentions of American voters.
Please pass this on if you believe in democracy...
Thanks America!