It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by YIAWETA
1. Yes, It should be abolished. It's collective parceled voting is contradictory to the notion of a populous vote.
2. No electronic devices in vote gathering. Go back to a paper ballot and let the count take days. In addition, there should be a national holiday for voters to make voting easier.
Originally posted by TheBorg
To begin with, each voter would need to understand that their votes will no longer be held private. If you aren't proud enough to stand up and have a voice, then why vote? The whole point to voting is to have a voice. I don't see a point in having a voice if those that have it aren't willing to use it. People need to be proud of how they vote.TheBorg
Originally posted by TheBorg
To begin with, each voter would need to understand that their votes will no longer be held private. If you aren't proud enough to stand up and have a voice, then why vote? The whole point to voting is to have a voice. I don't see a point in having a voice if those that have it aren't willing to use it. People need to be proud of how they vote.TheBorg
TheBorg: “ . . because I'm in favor of a referendum that would allow every US Citizen the right to vote on all legislation that passed through Congress. Again, this would allow for the People to have a TRUE say in what happens in this country. We could make the changes that everyone has been bickering about for the past years in mere months, if everyone had a say. If our votes counted as much as the Representatives' and Senator's did, then we'd be equals, as we were supposed to be in the first place. I think this is a good place to stop for now. If anyone needs any clarification, please feel free to send a reply. [Edited by Don W]
posted by YIAWETA: “Borg, any way you involve electronics in this process you invite potential fraud. Granted , there is virtually no way to eliminate the potential, but a pure paper hand count is by far the closest.
Originally posted by YIAWETA
Borg,
Any way you involve electronics in this process you invite potential fraud. Granted , there is virtually no way to eliminate the potential, but a pure paper hand count is by far the closest.
Originally posted by benevolent tyrant
Originally posted by TheBorg
To begin with, each voter would need to understand that their votes will no longer be held private. If you aren't proud enough to stand up and have a voice, then why vote? The whole point to voting is to have a voice. I don't see a point in having a voice if those that have it aren't willing to use it. People need to be proud of how they vote.TheBorg
In a perfect world, the system you suggest is ideal. It would definitely eliminate or, in the very least, diminish the possibility or likelyhood of election fraud. However, you have missed one point. By suggesting that all votes be "public domain" or, rather, that everyone has the ability how each individual has voted, you have ignored the reason for trying to implement a system for secret ballots in the first place.
A secret ballot, by definition, is the right each voter has to cast a vote in a manner that guarantees the voters anonymity. In the former Soviet Union and in many countries around the world today; Cuba, for example, people voted the "party line" and not necessarily their conscience. When the ballot is not secret, voters in some countries fear that the government will use the voting lists to see how people voted and then eliminate, punish or exact revenge upon people who voted against them. It is not that far fetched that people will continue to harbor such fears and rightfully so.
While I agree with you "in principle", I treasure my right to a secret ballot. We need to concentrate our attentions, however, on the vote counting aspect and the mechanism by which people are registered or granted the ability to vote. Under the right to a secret ballot, and the overall voting system as it is in the U.S. and Western countries, these are the two areas where we must remain ever vigilant as these are the two aspects of the electoral system wherein fraud can eminate while still protecting the anonymity of the voter.
Originally posted by Beer_Guy
TheBorg, I like your idea, I would support it in a heartbeat.
I agree that it isn't perfect, but I think that it beats the current system by a looooong way.
I missed the vote yesterday here in Ohio. it happened because it just isn't very important to me knowing that it can so easily be manipulated.
I want to make a difference, but I just feel that I can't while the current system is in place.
I also like the idea of "voting day" being a national holiday. I think it would get many more people out to vote.