A little over two weeks ago
I wrote up a diary on dKos about the political controversy in my district regarding Satellite Voting. Essentially, the Republican Secretary of State and the Republican Election Commisioner tried to turn the Help America Vote Act into the Help
Republicans Vote Act.
Now, the Satellite Voting program in Lancaster county, Nebraska (NE-01) has been withdrawn for the May primary Election.
As this story makes clear, it was because of the political pressure put on the Secretary from our e-mails and letters, phone calls, etc.
Political controversy makes it virtually certain that Lancaster County will not launch a satellite voting project for voters in the May primary.
The state Democratic Party alleges that Election Commissioner Dave Shively and Secretary of State John Gale want to designate satellite polling places at libraries that would overwhelmingly benefit the GOP and Governor Dave Heineman [snip]
Neither man confirmed that satellite voting would be put off at least until the November general election. However, conversations with each of them led to the view from here: The odds against satellite voting in Lancaster County in the primary season are at least 99-to-1. And, that's a conservative estimate.
I looked for this story to be posted on nebraskademocrats.org or newnebraska.blogspot.com but I guess they don't wish to tout the fact that people can put pressure on their elected representatives to do the right thing.
The truth remains that the postponement of this unfairly designed program IS a win both for Democrats and for anyone who is worried about fair elections.
Of course, since the Republicans were caught trying to pull a fast one, they are whining about Democrats "playing politics with this issue".
In separate interviews, Shively and Gale said Monday that the charges were without merit, that the record of the project's development proves it - and that they don't want to see the first use of satellite voting shrouded in political controversy.
In an e-mail sent last Friday, Barry Rubin, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party disputed Gale and Shively's claims.
There is absolutely no record of this project's development in regards to selecting the satellite locations. There are no records of any meetings, discussions, or otherwise, regarding these locations. I testified at the VNI on behalf of many proposed election reforms. We have been and will continue to be supportive of ways to encourage increased participation in the political process, but only if it is done in an equitable manner.
So basically, Gale and Shively thought they could ram this through with no one the wiser, they were found out, and now have to put the plan on hold until the heat dies down.
I don't know how many Kossites saw the initial diary, or how many Nebraska Democrats responded to e-mails calling for help from Rubin, but it looks like we won this little skirmish.
As we predicted, these Republicans backed off their proposal and blamed us for politicizing the process. Regardless, we essentially prevented a tax-payer funded Republican voter turnout program in the Primary, and will do so again in the General if these guys don't play by the rules. Your help in that regard is appreciated. Thanks for your steadfast support!
As Mr. Rubin stated, we have another tough battle ahead to make sure our elections are fair in November. But now we know how to do it. Shine a light on their shady practices, put pressure on them through e-mails, letters and phone calls. Let them know that we are watching and that we won't let them get away with such shoddy practices so easily.
What Actions Can We Take Now?
There are a few things that folks can do to help in this situation, both voters within Nebraska's first district and people across America can help.
1. Write a nice letter to John Gale - john.gale@sos.ne.gov
or write his office:
John Gale, Secretary of State
Main Office
Suite 2300
State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402)471-2554; Fax: (402)471-3237)
thanking him for postponing the Satellite program and reminding him of the need for fair siting for Satellite locations in order to help ALL voters in Nebraska's first district..
2.Remember Satellite voting come November, and don't let Gale and Shively try this again. Hopefully we can count on Mr. Rubin, among others, to keep the people informed about Satellite Voting and other dirty tricks the Republicans are no doubt planning
3. Use your favorite search engine to determine whether there is a fair Satellite Voting program in your district. Five to Ten minutes of Googling, or searching the archives of your local paper should give you the answers you need.
Try keywords like "Help America Vote Act," "Satellite Voting", or using the name of your Secretary of State or local Election commisioner, as they will probably be the ones implementing such a program in your area.
Please, it is very important to know how fair the voting in your area is. If they can try it here in NE-01, they can try it in your district too.