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Election Day Voter Registration?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by Salty, Nov 21, 2012.

?
  1. Yes

    4 vote(s)
    57.1%
  2. At least a 10 day waiting period

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. At lest a 30 day waiting period

    1 vote(s)
    14.3%
  4. Other answer

    2 vote(s)
    28.6%
  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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  2. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    I am opposed to same day voter registration, along with allowing college students to register where they go to school. (That's the subject for another thread.)

    Each state should establish a deadline on when registrations will be closed for an upcoming election. This deadline would be based on their capability to verify that registrations are valid. Due to population, and other considerations, this would/could vary by state.

    People who have changed their permanent address after the deadline would still be able to vote by absentee ballot from their previous location. If the states agree to honor this stipulation.

    Additionally, registration would be closed at least a week before early voting begins in each state. (Prolonged "early voting" is also the subject for another thread.)

    Churches are moving toward requiring background checks for everyone who comes in contact with children as a part of their ministries in any manner. Yet, at the same time, every attempt to make sure of one vote for one citizen is fought tooth and nail.

    If I were to fail a background check, I could not grill a hot dog for a kid at VBS. Yet, with a little prep work, I could register and vote, no telling how many times, on election day and submit x number of absentee ballots, too. With little likelyhood that fraud would ever be discovered.
     
  3. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    I support same-day registration. Computer glitches can wipe out entire precint's registration records. As long as a driver's liscence, or social security number can be used to verify identity.
     
  4. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    With technology today there is no reason a little organization, along with ID laws, cannot guard against fraud. I am in favor of same day registration.
     
  5. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    Computer qlitches shouldn't be a factor in this decision. A backup plan should be in place at all polling places. Paper isn't obsolete, yet. :)

    As a side note. As much as I like many of the time/labor saving advantages of electronics, there are pitfalls. I worked in the computer industry too long not to be aware of them. Not only should paper registrations be maintained, paper ballots should be used, IMO. If a scanner fails or there's a question about the accuracy of a scanner, the solution is simple.

    If a SS number is used to verify identity, how many places can I register and vote the same day? BTW, a SS card isn't supposed to be used for identify purposes, if I understand the regs correctly.

    If I register and vote at multiple places, and later it's discovered I cast 25 votes, how can the election results be changed to reflect that fraud? My votes still stand, even if I'm put in jail. In tight races, it doesn't take many activists on either side of the political spectrum to flip the results. Especially at the local levels.
     
  6. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    Maybe in the future, but IMO, not today. On election day, how many reports did we hear of "computer glitches"? How many folks working the polling places are comfortable with using computers? Many of these are seniors without much computer experience.

    I agree with you, especially with ID laws and better organization, will go a long ways towards guarding against fraud in the future. But, again, IMO, we just ain't there, yet. :(
     
  7. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    That's ridiculous. They are a factor. If a bullfrog had wings he wouldn't have a sore rump.
     
  8. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    No system is perfect. Today that means dealing with technology. Election workers need to be trained. Each states secretary of state, assuming each state tasks this person with the duties, must plan for glitches and work to prevent fraud. That is their job.
     
  9. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    My reply was in response to your comment: "Computer glitches can wipe out entire precint's registration records."

    Before calling my comment ridiculous, did you read the entire statement?

    When a backup plan is in place, such as printed registration records along with media backups, computer glitches will not "wipe out entire precint's registration records."

    The glitch may slow down operations due to manual processing using paper registration records. Depending on how the data operations are set up, it may only take a few minutes to solve the problem and restore the electronic records to the primary processing equipment. Or transfer the data to replacement equipment, if/when that's applicable.

    If all the records are lost, it's either deliberate or the result of incompetence by those responsible for maintaining sound/standard data processing procedures. Which, BTW, include both on site and off premises backup of critical data.
     
  10. OldRegular

    OldRegular Well-Known Member

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    I would say that 3 months prior to the election as a minimum. When I registered I went to the court house at the county seat, was examined, and registered. If it was good enough for me it is good enough for all.
     
  11. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Voting is a responsibility. Therefore we should be responsible enough to get to the Board of Elections and register. And the Motor Voter is no the best thing either.
    You may fill it out at DMV (or other govt agy), but if it does not arrive at the BOE, you are not registered.

    Tus I voted 30 days (oh was I supposed to say how I voted?)

    The right to vote is not to be taken lightly.
    Help your board of Elections and register.

    Those who have something to do, Find a way
    Others find an excuse
     
    #11 Salty, Nov 21, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 21, 2012
  12. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    Read it, and re-read it. To write off these glitches as a non-factor is silly. They happen. It's happened to me. If it weren't for same-day registration, I would not have been able to vote for Gary Johnson this year.
     
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