December 15, 2004
Ohio Voting Escapade Sounds A Lot Like 9/11 Excuses
Printable Version | [eMail this article!] |If you have been paying attention to the various investigations into voting "irregularities" in Ohio and the excuses being offered, it is starting to sound much like the "massive failure" of every possible system used to excuse anyone from culpability in 9/11 disaster. The irregularities in Ohio represent a pattern of "errors" and decisions so poor that one of my dogs could have run a better election.
What went wrong? Well what didn't?
- Votes disappeared
- Votes inexplicably swapped
- In some areas there were more votes than voters
- Exit polls were made to conform with votes "registered"
- Voting machines were not delivered to heavily Democratic precincts
- Voting machines and computers were tampered with before the vote
- Voting lines in some heavily Democratic Precincts were 4 -10 hours long, in Republican precincts folks voted in about 15 minutes
- Long term registered voters were not allowed to vote
- Vote tallies were left unsecured
- Voting records were thrown in the trash
The Texas Strike Force was calling Ohio voters who had recently been in prison and telling them they would be arrested if they showed up to vote.
The list is endless, but the excuses are rolling in.
- Delay in deciding to buy or rent voting machines
- Decision to reduce the number of polling places to reduce costs
- Under-trained election personnel giving inaccurate information and not allowing people to vote
- Under estimating turnout in some precincts
- Mechanical and technical problems
- Over enthusiastic Republicans?
I am sure that all those who believed that the US had no warning of the attacks of 9/11 because of massive failures and "lack of vision," will believe the excuses coming out of Ohio. One would think that living in a democratic society, and in a state that has gone through thousands of votes in its history, wouldn't have the problems that say the Ukraine had. But, incompetence seems to be an acceptable excuse these days. My but the bar has dropped.
Posted by rowan at December 15, 2004 11:58 AM | TrackBack | Printable Version | [eMail this article!] |I wrote Rep. David Wu and he replied:
(1) Conyers held a prelim on 12-8-04 and listed below is what I feel is a telling statement, I just hope the Dems keep their nerve, the media isn't.
"Since Election Day, thousand of Ohio citizens have reported dificulties and barriers in casting their vote. These reports include: long lines at polling places; elctronic voting macines which malfunctioned; precincts reporting more voters than they had, or inexplicable numbers of votes cast; and disenfranchisement, particulary in high-population areas. I also understand concerns about the conflict of interest of having an official in charge of running elctions in a key state also heading a presidential campaigne. I agree Ohio Secretary of State Blackwell's dual role calls into question any elction decision he made that favored Republicans."
Of course this is a form letter, but it is somewhat encourging and I think there is political will to bring this issue to the forefront, lets hope Sen. Reid (Nevada) and others will show some courage....for the sake of democracy and out nation.
Posted by: Bill at December 15, 2004 01:51 PMWe knew the election would not be won fairly. I, for one, am not surprised. I can't help but wonder how many other states have stories to tell about the voting hell they went through.
No consolation, but guess who the next president could be, after Mr. Bush has finished his destruction....VP
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