During last night's CNN "debate" - and I use the term loosely - Ron Paul was granted only 7 minutes and 43 seconds, out of the 79 minutes and 7 seconds used by all the candidates combined. Even though Paul supporters essentially own the YouTube space, the only questions CNN put to Dr. Paul were those that further marginalized him and alienated us.
I did notice that other candidates were spouting Paul's talking points as if they'd thought of them first, such as "Tax Hike Mike" Huckabee vowing to eliminate the IRS. The final question directed to Dr. Paul ("Will you run as an independent WHEN you lose the primary?") and not to mention the post-debate talking head chat-fest made the game very clear. Lead the viewers to believe that Ron Paul is unelectable, but don't let go of his army of supporters. Oh, no ... look! We've got other guys who will abolish the IRS and crack down on illegal immigration! Don't leave the party just because we think you're morons and nut-jobs!
We, Paul supporters, forced them to invite our candidate to the debate, and they got their payback. This is a lesson we must never forget. The only thing they've not been able to spin against us, was the moneybomb. The only thing they cannot deny or explain away is the fundraising.
When they mock Ron Paul, they mock us. When they ignore him, they ignore us. Last night, they made a blatant attempt to marginalize Dr Paul without losing us, thousands upon thousands of voters with cash who are already engaged in the process. Since money is the only language they understand, this morning I donated to the campaign - $2.50 for every minute of the debate that Ron Paul was not speaking. That's 72 minutes and 27 seconds, so I rounded up to 73 ;)
It was an unplanned money bomblet, but felt very good, and I encourage all of you to do the same according to your means. Sometimes you gotta speak the native tongue to be heard - and in US politics, that's $$$.
-- Spambot4750
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
What to know on Election Day - Provisional balloting (con't)
This will be a very long post. To make it easier for the reader, all state names are in red.
Continuing on the subject of provisional ballots, this time with the February primaries -
February 2 - South Carolina
Where a person's name could not be verified by the registration board or where a telephone was not available and the person was allowed to vote a provisional ballot, the Board of Voter Registration, before the meeting, must certify to the authority in charge whether or not the voter is a qualified elector of the precinct in which he voted his provisional ballot. If the board certifies the person challenged is not a qualified elector of the precinct, this certification is considered an administrative challenge and is clear and convincing evidence for the meeting authority to disallow the ballot.
February 5 - the following 23 states
Alabama
The procedure for casting a provisional ballot at the polling place shall be as follows: The individual shall execute a written affirmation by the individual before the inspector or clerk stating the following: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a registered voter in the precinct in which I am seeking to vote and that I am eligible to vote in this election.
Arizona
A qualified elector whose name is not on the precinct register, upon presentation of identification verifying the identity of the elector that includes the voter's given name and surname and the complete residence address that is verified by the election board to be in the precinct or on signing an affirmation that states that the elector is a registered voter in that jurisdiction and is eligible to vote in that jurisdiction, shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
Arkansas
When a voter provides his or her name, address, and date of birth to an election official at the poll, and the voter’s name is not on the precinct voter registration list, the election official must:
1) Contact the county clerk’s office to verify the voter’s registration status, and
2) Allow the voter to cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter of the precinct), or
3) Allow the voter to cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter transferred his or her registration from another county not later than four (4) days before the election and that the voter is at the correct poll in the new county of registration), or
4) Send the voter to his or her correct polling site where the voter may cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter at a different precinct in the county), or
5) Allow the voter to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot at the disputed polling site (if the county clerk’s office informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter at a different precinct in the county, but the voter insists that he or she is at the correct polling site), or
6) Allow the voter to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot (if the county clerk’s office is unable to verify the voter’s registration, but the voter contends that he or she is both registered in the precinct in which he or she desires to vote and is eligible to vote)
California
The provisional ballot of a voter who is otherwise entitled to vote shall not be rejected because the voter did not cast his or her ballot in the precinct to which he or she was assigned by the elections official. (A) If the ballot cast by the voter contains the same candidates and measures on which the voter would have been entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct, the elections official shall count the votes for the entire ballot. (B) If the ballot cast by the voter contains candidates or measures on which the voter would not have been entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct, the elections official shall count only the votes for the candidates and measures on which the voter was entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct.
Colorado
(Any provisional ballot given an acceptance code shall be counted. However codes ADB, AEJ & AFS apply under those circumstances where only the state and federal races, issues and questions upon which the elector may vote shall be counted):
ADB: Election official is knowledgeable that the elector was erroneously sent to the wrong precinct or erroneously given the wrong ballot style in the elector’s correct precinct. Voted ballot will be duplicated and only races and issues for which the elector is qualified to vote shall be counted.
AEJ: Election judge who was appointed after close of early and absentee voting and is working outside his or her precinct; judge shall vote on a ballot in the precinct in which he or she is working; voted ballot will be duplicated so that only the races and issues for which the judge is qualified to vote shall be counted.
AFS: Voter is registered in the county but is voting in the wrong precinct or the voter moved from the county in which the voter was registered to another county in the state less than thirty days before the election. Only the votes for federal and statewide offices and statewide ballot issues and questions upon which the voter may vote shall be counted.
Connecticut
An individual may apply for and be issued a provisional ballot if the individual appears at the polling place and declares that such individual is an elector in the town in which the individual desires to vote and that the individual is eligible to vote in the primary or election for federal office in the polling place, but the name of the individual does not appear on the official registry list for such polling place. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
Delaware
Provisional ballots cast by persons who are not registered to vote in the state or who are not registered to vote in the election district [precinct] in which they were cast shall be set aside, not opened and the votes not tallied. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
Georgia
If the person appears at a precinct in a county or municipality in which the person does not reside, the registrars shall instruct the poll officers to direct the person to contact the registrars in the county in which the person resides to determine in which precinct such person should vote.
If the poll officers cannot get in touch with the registrars after making a reasonable effort to do so, the poll officers shall be authorized to permit the person to vote a provisional ballot at the precinct without additional authorization from the registrars. In such case, all votes cast by such person for candidates for whom such person is properly entitled to vote shall be counted and all votes cast for candidates for whom such person is not properly entitled to vote shall be void and shall not be counted in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2-419(c). Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction.
Illinois
If a county clerk or board of election commissioners determines that all of the following apply, then a provisional ballot is valid and shall be counted as a vote: The provisional voter cast the provisional ballot in the correct precinct based on the address provided by the provisional voter. The provisional voter's affidavit shall serve as a change of address request by that voter for registration purposes for the next ensuing election if it bears an address different from that in the records of the election authority.
Kansas
When a registered voter has cast a provisional ballot intended for a precinct other than the precinct in which the voter resides but located within the same county, the canvassers shall count the votes for those offices or issues which are identical in both precincts. The canvassers shall not count the votes for those offices or issues which differ from the offices or issues appearing on the ballot used in the precinct in which the voter resides. (Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction)
Michigan
The voter must complete the affidavit in order to receive a provisional ballot.
EXCEPTION #1: If the voter is in the proper polling place and is able to produce a voter registration receipt that shows that he or she registered to vote before the registration deadline, there is no need to complete the affidavit. Instead, arrange to have the voter complete another registration form. After the voter has completed the registration form, permit the voter to vote under regular procedure.
EXCEPTION #2: If the clerk determines that the voter is registered to vote in a different precinct and the voter is willing to travel to his or her proper polling place, there is no need to complete the affidavit. Instead, give the voter directions to his or her proper polling place. (If the voter declines to travel to his or her proper polling place, issue an “envelope” ballot to the voter. In such an instance, inform the voter that his or her ballot will not count if it is confirmed that the voter is voting in the wrong polling place.
Missouri
A voter claiming to be properly registered in the jurisdiction of the election authority and eligible to vote in an election, but whose eligibility at that precinct cannot be immediately established upon examination of the precinct register, shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot after providing a form of personal identification or upon executing an affidavit. If the voter declares that the voter is eligible to vote and the election authority determines that the voter is eligible to vote at another polling place, the voter shall be directed to the correct polling place or a central polling place as established by the election authority. If the voter refuses to go to the correct polling place or a central polling place, the voter shall be permitted to vote a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place, but such ballot shall not be counted if the voter was not eligible to vote at that polling place.
Montana
Provisional voting in person. (1) Before being given a ballot, an elector casting a provisional ballot: (b) shall sign an affirmation in a form prescribed by the secretary of state swearing that, to the best of the elector's knowledge, the elector is eligible to vote in the election and precinct and is aware of the penalty for false swearing. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
New Jersey
If, for any reason, a provisional ballot voter votes a ballot other than the ballot for the district in which the voter is qualified to vote, the votes for those offices and questions for which the voter would be otherwise qualified to vote shall be counted. All other votes shall be void.
New Mexico
A person shall be permitted to vote on a provisional paper ballot even though the person's original certificate of registration cannot be found in the county register or even if the person's name does not appear on the signature roster, provided the person's residence is within the boundaries of the county in which the person offers to vote.
New York
Whenever a voter presents himself and offers to cast a ballot, and the address at which he claims to live is in the election district in which he seeks to vote but no registration poll record can be found for him in the poll ledger or his name does not appear on the computer generated registration list or his signature does not appear next to his name on such computer generated registration list or his registration poll record or the computer generated registration list does not show him to be enrolled in the party in which he claim to be enrolled, he shall be permitted to vote only as hereinafter provided: He may swear to and subscribe an affidavit stating that he has duly registered to vote, the address in such election district from which he registered, that he remains a duly qualified voter in such election district, that his registration poll record appears to be lost or misplaced or that his name and/or his signature was omitted from the computer generated registration list or that he has moved within the county or city since he last registered, the address from which he was previously registered and the address at which he currently resides, and at a primary election, the party in which he is enrolled. The inspectors of election shall offer such an affidavit to each such voter whose residence address is in such election district.
North Carolina
Any individual who is a registered voter in a county but whose name does not appear on the official list of registered voters at the voting place at which that voter appears shall be allowed to cast a provisional official ballot. Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction (county)
Oklahoma
A provisional ballot shall be counted only if it is cast in the precinct of the voter's residence and if evidence of the provisional voter's valid voter registration, or of the voter's identity, is found.
Pennsylvania
If it is determined that the individual voting the provisional ballot was eligible to vote in the county in which the ballot was cast but not at the election district where the ballot was cast, the county board of elections shall open the envelope and only count that portion of the ballot that the individual would have been eligible to vote in his proper election district and at the election district where the vote was cast if: (A) the county board of elections confirms that the individual did not cast any other ballot, including an absentee ballot, in the election; and (B) the individual casting the provisional ballot is a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast. (ii) In the event that the individual casting the provisional ballot is not found to be a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast, the ballot shall not be counted.
Rhode Island
An individual shall be eligible to cast a provisional ballot if:
1) he/she declares that he/she is a registered voter and eligible to vote in the community in which he/she desires to vote but is informed by an election official on election day that his/her name does not appear on the official list of registered voters for the voting district or the community; or
2) an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote; or
3) he/she registered to vote by mail but fails to provide the requisite identification prior to or at the time of voting.
Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction.
Tennessee
If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection.
Texas
A person may cast a provisional ballot if the person executes an affidavit stating that the person: (1) is a registered voter in the precinct in which the person seeks to vote; and (2) is eligible to vote in the election.
Utah
If the person's name is not found on the official register; the poll worker shall request that the person provide valid voter identification; and review the identification provided by the person. If the poll worker is satisfied that the person has provided valid voter identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct: the poll worker in charge of the official register shall record in the official register the type of identification that established the person's identity and place of residence; write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and direct the voter to sign his name in the election column in the official register; another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook; and the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall endorse his initials on the stub; check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub; give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and allow the voter to enter the voting booth.
If the poll worker is not satisfied that the voter has provided valid voter identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct the poll worker in charge of the official register shall record in the official register that the voter did not provide valid voter identification; record in the official register the type of identification that was provided by the voter, if any; write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and direct the voter to sign his name in the election column in the official register; another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook; and the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall endorse his initials on the stub; check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub; give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and allow the voter to enter the voting booth.
February 9 - Louisiana
In an election for federal office, when an applicant's name does not appear on the precinct register and the registrar of voters has not authorized the applicant to vote by affidavit, or the commissioners assert that the applicant is not eligible to vote, and the applicant declares himself to be a registered voter and eligible to vote in the election for federal office, the applicant may cast a provisional ballot for candidates for federal office. Procedure for provisional voting for federal office at a polling place: The applicant shall first fill in the blanks on the provisional ballot envelope flap and sign the certificate on the envelope flap in the presence of a commissioner attesting that he is a registered voter in the parish and is eligible to vote in the election for federal office. A provisional voter must certify that he is a registered voter in the parish and is eligible to vote in the election for federal office.....If a voter is registered to vote in another precinct, send them to the correct precinct to vote. If the voter insists on voting in the incorrect precinct, the commissioners will issue a federal provisional ballot to the individual and he voter will sign his name on the list behind the provisional voters tab in the Precinct Register. **Note: The individual will not be allowed to vote on any state, parish, or municipal races or propositions.
February 12 - Maryland
An individual is eligible to cast a provisional ballot if the individual declares in a written affirmation submitted with the provisional ballot that the individual is a registered voter in the State and is eligible to vote in that election; and the individual's name does not appear on the precinct register; or an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote; or
the individual does not have the necessary identification.
February 12 - Virginia
When a person offers to vote and the general registrar is not available or cannot state that the person is registered to vote, then such person shall be allowed to vote by paper ballot. The electoral board shall meet on the day following the election and determine whether each person having submitted such a provisional vote was entitled to do so as a qualified voter in the precinct in which he offered the provisional vote. If the electoral board determines that such person was not entitled to vote as a qualified voter in the precinct in which he offered the provisional vote, or is unable to determine his right to vote, the envelope containing his ballot shall not be opened and his vote shall not be counted.
February 19 - Wisconsin
Counted if cast in correct precinct. Is an election-day registration state, provisional ballots only offered if voter is required to show ID and cannot provide ID. Provisional ballots will not be given when a voter is at the wrong polling place or when a person is attempting to register in-person at the polling place and does not have proof of residence.
Whew!
-- Spambot #4750
Continuing on the subject of provisional ballots, this time with the February primaries -
February 2 - South Carolina
Where a person's name could not be verified by the registration board or where a telephone was not available and the person was allowed to vote a provisional ballot, the Board of Voter Registration, before the meeting, must certify to the authority in charge whether or not the voter is a qualified elector of the precinct in which he voted his provisional ballot. If the board certifies the person challenged is not a qualified elector of the precinct, this certification is considered an administrative challenge and is clear and convincing evidence for the meeting authority to disallow the ballot.
February 5 - the following 23 states
Alabama
The procedure for casting a provisional ballot at the polling place shall be as follows: The individual shall execute a written affirmation by the individual before the inspector or clerk stating the following: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a registered voter in the precinct in which I am seeking to vote and that I am eligible to vote in this election.
Arizona
A qualified elector whose name is not on the precinct register, upon presentation of identification verifying the identity of the elector that includes the voter's given name and surname and the complete residence address that is verified by the election board to be in the precinct or on signing an affirmation that states that the elector is a registered voter in that jurisdiction and is eligible to vote in that jurisdiction, shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
Arkansas
When a voter provides his or her name, address, and date of birth to an election official at the poll, and the voter’s name is not on the precinct voter registration list, the election official must:
1) Contact the county clerk’s office to verify the voter’s registration status, and
2) Allow the voter to cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter of the precinct), or
3) Allow the voter to cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter transferred his or her registration from another county not later than four (4) days before the election and that the voter is at the correct poll in the new county of registration), or
4) Send the voter to his or her correct polling site where the voter may cast a REGULAR ballot (if the county clerk informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter at a different precinct in the county), or
5) Allow the voter to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot at the disputed polling site (if the county clerk’s office informs the election official that the voter is listed as a registered voter at a different precinct in the county, but the voter insists that he or she is at the correct polling site), or
6) Allow the voter to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot (if the county clerk’s office is unable to verify the voter’s registration, but the voter contends that he or she is both registered in the precinct in which he or she desires to vote and is eligible to vote)
California
The provisional ballot of a voter who is otherwise entitled to vote shall not be rejected because the voter did not cast his or her ballot in the precinct to which he or she was assigned by the elections official. (A) If the ballot cast by the voter contains the same candidates and measures on which the voter would have been entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct, the elections official shall count the votes for the entire ballot. (B) If the ballot cast by the voter contains candidates or measures on which the voter would not have been entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct, the elections official shall count only the votes for the candidates and measures on which the voter was entitled to vote in his or her assigned precinct.
Colorado
(Any provisional ballot given an acceptance code shall be counted. However codes ADB, AEJ & AFS apply under those circumstances where only the state and federal races, issues and questions upon which the elector may vote shall be counted):
ADB: Election official is knowledgeable that the elector was erroneously sent to the wrong precinct or erroneously given the wrong ballot style in the elector’s correct precinct. Voted ballot will be duplicated and only races and issues for which the elector is qualified to vote shall be counted.
AEJ: Election judge who was appointed after close of early and absentee voting and is working outside his or her precinct; judge shall vote on a ballot in the precinct in which he or she is working; voted ballot will be duplicated so that only the races and issues for which the judge is qualified to vote shall be counted.
AFS: Voter is registered in the county but is voting in the wrong precinct or the voter moved from the county in which the voter was registered to another county in the state less than thirty days before the election. Only the votes for federal and statewide offices and statewide ballot issues and questions upon which the voter may vote shall be counted.
Connecticut
An individual may apply for and be issued a provisional ballot if the individual appears at the polling place and declares that such individual is an elector in the town in which the individual desires to vote and that the individual is eligible to vote in the primary or election for federal office in the polling place, but the name of the individual does not appear on the official registry list for such polling place. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
Delaware
Provisional ballots cast by persons who are not registered to vote in the state or who are not registered to vote in the election district [precinct] in which they were cast shall be set aside, not opened and the votes not tallied. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
Georgia
If the person appears at a precinct in a county or municipality in which the person does not reside, the registrars shall instruct the poll officers to direct the person to contact the registrars in the county in which the person resides to determine in which precinct such person should vote.
If the poll officers cannot get in touch with the registrars after making a reasonable effort to do so, the poll officers shall be authorized to permit the person to vote a provisional ballot at the precinct without additional authorization from the registrars. In such case, all votes cast by such person for candidates for whom such person is properly entitled to vote shall be counted and all votes cast for candidates for whom such person is not properly entitled to vote shall be void and shall not be counted in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2-419(c). Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction.
Illinois
If a county clerk or board of election commissioners determines that all of the following apply, then a provisional ballot is valid and shall be counted as a vote: The provisional voter cast the provisional ballot in the correct precinct based on the address provided by the provisional voter. The provisional voter's affidavit shall serve as a change of address request by that voter for registration purposes for the next ensuing election if it bears an address different from that in the records of the election authority.
Kansas
When a registered voter has cast a provisional ballot intended for a precinct other than the precinct in which the voter resides but located within the same county, the canvassers shall count the votes for those offices or issues which are identical in both precincts. The canvassers shall not count the votes for those offices or issues which differ from the offices or issues appearing on the ballot used in the precinct in which the voter resides. (Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction)
Michigan
The voter must complete the affidavit in order to receive a provisional ballot.
EXCEPTION #1: If the voter is in the proper polling place and is able to produce a voter registration receipt that shows that he or she registered to vote before the registration deadline, there is no need to complete the affidavit. Instead, arrange to have the voter complete another registration form. After the voter has completed the registration form, permit the voter to vote under regular procedure.
EXCEPTION #2: If the clerk determines that the voter is registered to vote in a different precinct and the voter is willing to travel to his or her proper polling place, there is no need to complete the affidavit. Instead, give the voter directions to his or her proper polling place. (If the voter declines to travel to his or her proper polling place, issue an “envelope” ballot to the voter. In such an instance, inform the voter that his or her ballot will not count if it is confirmed that the voter is voting in the wrong polling place.
Missouri
A voter claiming to be properly registered in the jurisdiction of the election authority and eligible to vote in an election, but whose eligibility at that precinct cannot be immediately established upon examination of the precinct register, shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot after providing a form of personal identification or upon executing an affidavit. If the voter declares that the voter is eligible to vote and the election authority determines that the voter is eligible to vote at another polling place, the voter shall be directed to the correct polling place or a central polling place as established by the election authority. If the voter refuses to go to the correct polling place or a central polling place, the voter shall be permitted to vote a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place, but such ballot shall not be counted if the voter was not eligible to vote at that polling place.
Montana
Provisional voting in person. (1) Before being given a ballot, an elector casting a provisional ballot: (b) shall sign an affirmation in a form prescribed by the secretary of state swearing that, to the best of the elector's knowledge, the elector is eligible to vote in the election and precinct and is aware of the penalty for false swearing. Counted if cast in correct precinct.
New Jersey
If, for any reason, a provisional ballot voter votes a ballot other than the ballot for the district in which the voter is qualified to vote, the votes for those offices and questions for which the voter would be otherwise qualified to vote shall be counted. All other votes shall be void.
New Mexico
A person shall be permitted to vote on a provisional paper ballot even though the person's original certificate of registration cannot be found in the county register or even if the person's name does not appear on the signature roster, provided the person's residence is within the boundaries of the county in which the person offers to vote.
New York
Whenever a voter presents himself and offers to cast a ballot, and the address at which he claims to live is in the election district in which he seeks to vote but no registration poll record can be found for him in the poll ledger or his name does not appear on the computer generated registration list or his signature does not appear next to his name on such computer generated registration list or his registration poll record or the computer generated registration list does not show him to be enrolled in the party in which he claim to be enrolled, he shall be permitted to vote only as hereinafter provided: He may swear to and subscribe an affidavit stating that he has duly registered to vote, the address in such election district from which he registered, that he remains a duly qualified voter in such election district, that his registration poll record appears to be lost or misplaced or that his name and/or his signature was omitted from the computer generated registration list or that he has moved within the county or city since he last registered, the address from which he was previously registered and the address at which he currently resides, and at a primary election, the party in which he is enrolled. The inspectors of election shall offer such an affidavit to each such voter whose residence address is in such election district.
North Carolina
Any individual who is a registered voter in a county but whose name does not appear on the official list of registered voters at the voting place at which that voter appears shall be allowed to cast a provisional official ballot. Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction (county)
Oklahoma
A provisional ballot shall be counted only if it is cast in the precinct of the voter's residence and if evidence of the provisional voter's valid voter registration, or of the voter's identity, is found.
Pennsylvania
If it is determined that the individual voting the provisional ballot was eligible to vote in the county in which the ballot was cast but not at the election district where the ballot was cast, the county board of elections shall open the envelope and only count that portion of the ballot that the individual would have been eligible to vote in his proper election district and at the election district where the vote was cast if: (A) the county board of elections confirms that the individual did not cast any other ballot, including an absentee ballot, in the election; and (B) the individual casting the provisional ballot is a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast. (ii) In the event that the individual casting the provisional ballot is not found to be a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast, the ballot shall not be counted.
Rhode Island
An individual shall be eligible to cast a provisional ballot if:
1) he/she declares that he/she is a registered voter and eligible to vote in the community in which he/she desires to vote but is informed by an election official on election day that his/her name does not appear on the official list of registered voters for the voting district or the community; or
2) an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote; or
3) he/she registered to vote by mail but fails to provide the requisite identification prior to or at the time of voting.
Counted if cast in correct jurisdiction.
Tennessee
If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection.
Texas
A person may cast a provisional ballot if the person executes an affidavit stating that the person: (1) is a registered voter in the precinct in which the person seeks to vote; and (2) is eligible to vote in the election.
Utah
If the person's name is not found on the official register; the poll worker shall request that the person provide valid voter identification; and review the identification provided by the person. If the poll worker is satisfied that the person has provided valid voter identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct: the poll worker in charge of the official register shall record in the official register the type of identification that established the person's identity and place of residence; write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and direct the voter to sign his name in the election column in the official register; another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook; and the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall endorse his initials on the stub; check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub; give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and allow the voter to enter the voting booth.
If the poll worker is not satisfied that the voter has provided valid voter identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct the poll worker in charge of the official register shall record in the official register that the voter did not provide valid voter identification; record in the official register the type of identification that was provided by the voter, if any; write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and direct the voter to sign his name in the election column in the official register; another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook; and the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall endorse his initials on the stub; check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub; give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and allow the voter to enter the voting booth.
February 9 - Louisiana
In an election for federal office, when an applicant's name does not appear on the precinct register and the registrar of voters has not authorized the applicant to vote by affidavit, or the commissioners assert that the applicant is not eligible to vote, and the applicant declares himself to be a registered voter and eligible to vote in the election for federal office, the applicant may cast a provisional ballot for candidates for federal office. Procedure for provisional voting for federal office at a polling place: The applicant shall first fill in the blanks on the provisional ballot envelope flap and sign the certificate on the envelope flap in the presence of a commissioner attesting that he is a registered voter in the parish and is eligible to vote in the election for federal office. A provisional voter must certify that he is a registered voter in the parish and is eligible to vote in the election for federal office.....If a voter is registered to vote in another precinct, send them to the correct precinct to vote. If the voter insists on voting in the incorrect precinct, the commissioners will issue a federal provisional ballot to the individual and he voter will sign his name on the list behind the provisional voters tab in the Precinct Register. **Note: The individual will not be allowed to vote on any state, parish, or municipal races or propositions.
February 12 - Maryland
An individual is eligible to cast a provisional ballot if the individual declares in a written affirmation submitted with the provisional ballot that the individual is a registered voter in the State and is eligible to vote in that election; and the individual's name does not appear on the precinct register; or an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote; or
the individual does not have the necessary identification.
February 12 - Virginia
When a person offers to vote and the general registrar is not available or cannot state that the person is registered to vote, then such person shall be allowed to vote by paper ballot. The electoral board shall meet on the day following the election and determine whether each person having submitted such a provisional vote was entitled to do so as a qualified voter in the precinct in which he offered the provisional vote. If the electoral board determines that such person was not entitled to vote as a qualified voter in the precinct in which he offered the provisional vote, or is unable to determine his right to vote, the envelope containing his ballot shall not be opened and his vote shall not be counted.
February 19 - Wisconsin
Counted if cast in correct precinct. Is an election-day registration state, provisional ballots only offered if voter is required to show ID and cannot provide ID. Provisional ballots will not be given when a voter is at the wrong polling place or when a person is attempting to register in-person at the polling place and does not have proof of residence.
Whew!
-- Spambot #4750
What to know on Election Day - Registered to vote but not on the rolls??
If you registered to vote before your state's deadline, and go to the polls on Election Day only to learn that you do not appear on the rolls, do not just walk away, do not worry about the line behind you - you are still entitled to cast your vote! How the election official handles this will vary by state law - we'll get to that - but if you are registered to vote and you are at the correct polling station (determined by your address), you may not be turned away!
In recent general elections, chaos at the polls has become the norm. Both major political parties have mounted aggressive voter "challenging" campaigns. The purpose is to intimidate and discourage voters. Know your rights, and prepare for problems before heading off to vote.
Did you receive any election materials in the mail? Bring that with you. Did you get a voter registration card? Bring it. Bring a current utility bill sent to your address. Some, but not all, states require photo ID, so be sure to have that with you. Double-check your polling place - it will be printed somewhere on your sample ballot. Be sure to arrive at the polls well before closing.
Now, we've gotten to our correct polling station in plenty of time, waited patiently in line, given the clerk our names ... but we're not on the list. What now? You have the right to vote by provisional or questioned ballot. A provisional ballot is counted upon the verification of that voter's eligibility.
(In this post, I'm only addressing the early primary states, but I will get to all of them in plenty of time.)
January 8 - District of Columbia
An individual whose eligibility to vote in the election cannot be determined at the polls on election day...shall vote by special ballot. The outside of the special ballot envelope shall contain a statement warning the voter of the criminal penalties for making a false representation as to his or her qualifications for voting and an affirmation signed by the voter attesting the following: (c) That he or she resides in the precinct where voting at the address provided.
January 14 - Iowa
The voter shall be provided a provisional ballot, which will be counted if cast in the correct precinct.
January 19 - Nevada
A provisional ballot must not be counted if the county or city clerk determines that the person who cast the provisional ballot cast the wrong ballot for the address at which he resides. (Counted if cast in correct precinct)
January 22 - New Hampshire
Not applicable. New Hampshire allows for election day registration, so is not required to provide provisional ballots.
January 22 - Wyoming
Wyoming is an election-day registration state, provisional ballots only offered if voter is required to show ID and cannot provide ID. Counted if cast in the correct precinct.
January 29 - Florida
Counted if cast in the correct precinct. If it is determined that the person voting the provisional ballot was not registered or entitled to vote at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election, the provisional ballot shall not be counted and the ballot shall remain in the envelope containing the Provisional Ballot Voter's Certificate and Affirmation and the envelope shall be marked "Rejected as Illegal."
Yes, I know I skipped the South Carolina Democratic primary, but this is a Ron Paul Spambot's blog and I'm only worried about the Republicans!
-- Spambot #4750
In recent general elections, chaos at the polls has become the norm. Both major political parties have mounted aggressive voter "challenging" campaigns. The purpose is to intimidate and discourage voters. Know your rights, and prepare for problems before heading off to vote.
Did you receive any election materials in the mail? Bring that with you. Did you get a voter registration card? Bring it. Bring a current utility bill sent to your address. Some, but not all, states require photo ID, so be sure to have that with you. Double-check your polling place - it will be printed somewhere on your sample ballot. Be sure to arrive at the polls well before closing.
Now, we've gotten to our correct polling station in plenty of time, waited patiently in line, given the clerk our names ... but we're not on the list. What now? You have the right to vote by provisional or questioned ballot. A provisional ballot is counted upon the verification of that voter's eligibility.
(In this post, I'm only addressing the early primary states, but I will get to all of them in plenty of time.)
January 8 - District of Columbia
An individual whose eligibility to vote in the election cannot be determined at the polls on election day...shall vote by special ballot. The outside of the special ballot envelope shall contain a statement warning the voter of the criminal penalties for making a false representation as to his or her qualifications for voting and an affirmation signed by the voter attesting the following: (c) That he or she resides in the precinct where voting at the address provided.
January 14 - Iowa
The voter shall be provided a provisional ballot, which will be counted if cast in the correct precinct.
January 19 - Nevada
A provisional ballot must not be counted if the county or city clerk determines that the person who cast the provisional ballot cast the wrong ballot for the address at which he resides. (Counted if cast in correct precinct)
January 22 - New Hampshire
Not applicable. New Hampshire allows for election day registration, so is not required to provide provisional ballots.
January 22 - Wyoming
Wyoming is an election-day registration state, provisional ballots only offered if voter is required to show ID and cannot provide ID. Counted if cast in the correct precinct.
January 29 - Florida
Counted if cast in the correct precinct. If it is determined that the person voting the provisional ballot was not registered or entitled to vote at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election, the provisional ballot shall not be counted and the ballot shall remain in the envelope containing the Provisional Ballot Voter's Certificate and Affirmation and the envelope shall be marked "Rejected as Illegal."
Yes, I know I skipped the South Carolina Democratic primary, but this is a Ron Paul Spambot's blog and I'm only worried about the Republicans!
-- Spambot #4750
Zlonk.com
Now that Digg is banning Ron Paul sites, consider posting your articles to Zlonk - all Paul Spambots are welcome!
-- Spambot #4750
-- Spambot #4750
Money Bomblets
Everyone knows about the Fifth of November "money bomb", and you've probably also heard about the upcoming Tea Party. I find that date quite fitting. It was, of course, our economic enslavement to the Crown that ignited the first American revolution, and we are again being taxed into poverty to pay for programs and policies that do not serve our interests. Throwing our rapidly collapsing currency into the Ron Paul harbor sounds good to me!
Of course, few of us can afford to step up for every organized money bombing - I expect to see many more - so consider committing to your own personal "bomblets". While I will participate in the Tea Party and whatever other drives I can afford, I've also marked several days of personal significance on my calendar, and I will donate on each of those occasions.
My bomblets -
-- Spambot #4750
Of course, few of us can afford to step up for every organized money bombing - I expect to see many more - so consider committing to your own personal "bomblets". While I will participate in the Tea Party and whatever other drives I can afford, I've also marked several days of personal significance on my calendar, and I will donate on each of those occasions.
My bomblets -
- My parents' anniversary, because they left us a strong and thriving country and I want that country back.
- My grandfather's birthday, because he fought in the World War, defending ideals that we've since lost sight of.
- Each of my children's birthdays, because I'd rather buy their future back for them than yet another trinket or gadget.
- New Year's Day - self-explanatory, I think
- On the birth of my grandchild in June. She'll have plenty of blankets and toys, but without real change in America, she too will become a slave to the Federal Reserve and the IRS.
- On "Tax Freedom Day" with the hope that it will come earlier and earlier in the next years.
- On the anniversary of our illegal invasion of Iraq, to support bringing our sons and daughters without delay.
-- Spambot #4750
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Voter registration deadlines by state
If you support Ron Paul, please be sure you are registered to vote REPUBLICAN in time for your state's REPUBLICAN primary. Without the party nomination, Dr.Paul will be consigned to a long history of also-rans.
I'll be back later with a list of primary dates by state. Please check the list below to learn your state's voter registration deadlines. Again, I strongly suggest you do not put this off until the last moment. Expect dirty tricks from our opponents - not appearing on the voter rolls because you "didn't register in time" may well be one of those tricks.
If you have registered to vote, but have not voted in the last few elections, you may have been purged from the rolls. Please determine your registration status and re-register if necessary.
-- Spambot #4750
Registration deadlines by state:
* Red indicates early (January) primary
I'll be back later with a list of primary dates by state. Please check the list below to learn your state's voter registration deadlines. Again, I strongly suggest you do not put this off until the last moment. Expect dirty tricks from our opponents - not appearing on the voter rolls because you "didn't register in time" may well be one of those tricks.
If you have registered to vote, but have not voted in the last few elections, you may have been purged from the rolls. Please determine your registration status and re-register if necessary.
-- Spambot #4750
Registration deadlines by state:
* Red indicates early (January) primary
- Alabama 10 days
- Alaska 30 days by mail, 15 days in person
- Arizona 30 days
- Arkansas 30 days
- California 15 days
- Colorado 29 days
- Connecticut Noon on the day before the election
- Delaware 20 days before any general election, 21 days before any primary election
- District of Columbia 30 days
- Florida 29 days
- Georgia The fifth Monday prior to any election
- Hawaii 30 days
- Idaho 25 days
- Illinois 28 days
- Indiana 29 days
- Iowa Registration must be received 10 days before election (not merely postmarked in time)
- Kansas 15 days
- Kentucky 29 days
- Louisiana 30 days
- Maine 10 days by mail, up to and including election day in person
- Maryland 20 days
- Massachusetts 20 days
- Michigan 30 days
- Minnesota 21 days before the election by mail, may also register at the polls on election day
- Mississippi 30 days
- Missouri the fourth Wednesday prior to the election
- Montana 30 days
- Nebraska Third Friday prior to the election by mail, or second Friday before the election in person
- Nevada Third Tuesday prior to the election
- New Hampshire 10 days by mail, or register at the polls on election day
- New Jersey 21 days
- New Mexico 28 days by mail, or the Friday following that date in person
- New York 25 days
- North Dakota No registration required
- Ohio 30 days
- Oregon 25 days
- Pennsylvania 21 days
- Rhode Island 30 days
- South Carolina 30 days
- South Dakota 15 days
- Tennessee 30 days
- Texas 30 days
- Utah 20 days by mail, 8 days in person
- Vermont Second Monday prior to the election
- Virginia 29 days
- Washington 30 days by mail, 15 days in person
- West Virginia 20 days
- Wisconsin 13 days by mail, up to election day in person, or register at the polls on election day
- Wyoming 30 days by mail, or register at the polls on election day
Understanding primaries and what you must do NOW!
Primary elections are part of the process of nominating a party candidate to run in the Presidential election. Obviously, our interest is in the Republican candidacy, so this article will focus on that party's process.
If we are to secure the party nomination, it is vital that each and every one of us proud Spambots can and does vote in the 2008 Republican primary. In some states, you may vote for either candidate regardless of the party you selected when you registered to vote - these are called "open primaries".
In other states, you may only vote in your party's primary - these are called "closed primaries". This is important! If you are registered Democrat or Green Party or anything but Republican in these states you will not be able to help nominate Dr. Paul for President! We need every single vote we can get. If you are in a closed primary state, you must register Republican now.
Please check the following table to determine the primary type in your state. If you must change your voter registration, be aware that it must be done a certain number of days before the election. In California, that is 15 days but I strongly suggest you do not wait until the last possible day. I'll be back later with a list of individual state deadlines.
- Spambot #4750
If we are to secure the party nomination, it is vital that each and every one of us proud Spambots can and does vote in the 2008 Republican primary. In some states, you may vote for either candidate regardless of the party you selected when you registered to vote - these are called "open primaries".
In other states, you may only vote in your party's primary - these are called "closed primaries". This is important! If you are registered Democrat or Green Party or anything but Republican in these states you will not be able to help nominate Dr. Paul for President! We need every single vote we can get. If you are in a closed primary state, you must register Republican now.
Please check the following table to determine the primary type in your state. If you must change your voter registration, be aware that it must be done a certain number of days before the election. In California, that is 15 days but I strongly suggest you do not wait until the last possible day. I'll be back later with a list of individual state deadlines.
- Spambot #4750
| State | Closed | Open | Other | Remarks |
| Alabama | x | |||
| Alaska | x | Blanket primary for four of five registered parties. Republicans use closed primary. | ||
| Arizona | x | |||
| Arkansas | x | Voter must vote in runoff primary of same party. | ||
| California | x | |||
| Colorado | x | |||
| Connecticut | x | |||
| Delaware | x | |||
| District of Columbia | x | |||
| Florida | x | |||
| Georgia | x | Voter must vote in runoff primary of same party. | ||
| Hawaii | x | |||
| Idaho | x | |||
| Illinois | x | Must vote in primary of same party as last primary vote. Loosely enforced. | ||
| Indiana | x | |||
| Iowa | x | Voter may change registration at polls. | ||
| Kansas | x | |||
| Kentucky | x | |||
| Louisiana | x | "Effectively open. Top-two runoff system (\""cajun primary\"") used. Closed primary used for Congressional races after 2006." | ||
| Maine | x | |||
| Maryland | x | |||
| Massachusetts | x | |||
| Michigan | x | |||
| Minnesota | x | |||
| Mississippi | x | |||
| Missouri | x | |||
| Montana | x | |||
| Nebraska | x | |||
| Nevada | x | |||
| New Hampshire | x | |||
| New Jersey | x | |||
| New Mexico | x | |||
| New York | x | |||
| North Carolina | x | |||
| North Dakota | x | |||
| Ohio | x | Must vote in primary of same party as last primary vote. Loosely enforced. | ||
| Oklahoma | x | |||
| Oregon | x | |||
| Pennsylvania | x | |||
| Rhode Island | x | |||
| South Carolina | x | Voter must vote in runoff primary of same party. | ||
| South Dakota | x | |||
| Tennessee | x | |||
| Texas | x | Voter must vote in runoff primary of same party. | ||
| Utah | x | Currently only Republicans close primary. | ||
| Vermont | x | |||
| Virginia | x | |||
| Washington | x | |||
| West Virginia | x | Currently only Democrats close primary. | ||
| Wisconsin | x | |||
| Wyoming | x |
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
How to Become a Delegate to the Republican National Convention
Someone else has already done this research, and done an excellent thorough job of it! Read it here
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Remember, remember, Ron Paul's November ....
On November 5, 2007, a most astonishing thing happened. A fund raising event, organized entirely by private citizens, poured $4.2 million dollars from 36,672 donors into Ron Paul's campaign coffers. The record-breaking "moneybomb" forced the mainstream media to finally sit up and pay attention, to the gentleman from Texas and to his supporters.
It is important, also, to note that the average contribution was $103.00. The revolution is being financed by the grassroots, ordinary people who want their country back. And if you think the ordinary people ever get what they want without a real fight, you haven't been paying attention.
The good folks who brought us Debacle 2000, and its sequel Debacle 2004, will once again be running the show. We simply cannot trust the system anymore. If we want a fair fight, then WE must monitor the precinct polling places, WE must conduct exit polls and WE must document any irregularities, any voters turned away, any suspicious activity.
I suggest at least three people at every polling place for both the Republican primary and the 2008 General Election. One should be counting voters as they go in, to be sure that the number of ballots reported cast at that center is valid. Another should be polling voters as they leave . Not all will care to answer, but those that do can provide a statistical picture that should reasonably predict candidate percentages for that location. A third person should be available to cover for either of the other two should something come up at the last minute, and to run for fast food and drinks during the day.
It is VITAL that we do not break any rules! There are laws dictating where you can stand, what you can do, what you can say. Some of these vary state by state. I have begun researching these and will, over the coming days, post both federal and individual state regulations.
PLEASE begin organizing locally. Ron Paul MeetUp is an excellent place to start looking for your local compatriots. We can not simply hope for honest elections and then after the fact, cry foul. It will be too late then. We MUST be prepared for dirty tricks and downright fraud if we want to be able to prove our case later.
Please start now!
Spambot #4750
It is important, also, to note that the average contribution was $103.00. The revolution is being financed by the grassroots, ordinary people who want their country back. And if you think the ordinary people ever get what they want without a real fight, you haven't been paying attention.
The good folks who brought us Debacle 2000, and its sequel Debacle 2004, will once again be running the show. We simply cannot trust the system anymore. If we want a fair fight, then WE must monitor the precinct polling places, WE must conduct exit polls and WE must document any irregularities, any voters turned away, any suspicious activity.
I suggest at least three people at every polling place for both the Republican primary and the 2008 General Election. One should be counting voters as they go in, to be sure that the number of ballots reported cast at that center is valid. Another should be polling voters as they leave . Not all will care to answer, but those that do can provide a statistical picture that should reasonably predict candidate percentages for that location. A third person should be available to cover for either of the other two should something come up at the last minute, and to run for fast food and drinks during the day.
It is VITAL that we do not break any rules! There are laws dictating where you can stand, what you can do, what you can say. Some of these vary state by state. I have begun researching these and will, over the coming days, post both federal and individual state regulations.
PLEASE begin organizing locally. Ron Paul MeetUp is an excellent place to start looking for your local compatriots. We can not simply hope for honest elections and then after the fact, cry foul. It will be too late then. We MUST be prepared for dirty tricks and downright fraud if we want to be able to prove our case later.
Please start now!
"What he's done -- what his supporters have done -- is astonishing," Ed Rollins, who managed Ross Perot's campaign in 1992 and served as an adviser to President Reagan, told The Trail. "You can't dismiss his anti-war vote. You can't dismiss the power of one man standing up with a powerful message. I'll tell you, I've been in politics for 40 years, and these days everything I've learned about politics is totally irrelevant because there's this uncontrollable thing like the Internet. Washington insiders don't know what to make of it."Kindest regards
Spambot #4750
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