Who are you Voting for?

In case you've missed the MANY forums on cable or in print, I'm giving you the major NDN link on candidates for different towns & for different positions. It's well done!

Ignore the endorsements (really- the opinion of 3 people). If you have questions, call, e-mail the candidates. Be pro-active! Check out Ch. 18. The forums are still running- I refer to it as hit-or-miss.

Offer some seniors a ride if you think that they may need it. Extend help to a candidate if you like them. Phone calls, signs, $, or even just talking among friends, relatives, co-workers all help. In Middletown, the election for Council is major. Sea-change or not. Same old- same old, or not. Legislative elections on Aquidneck Island are major this year (more on this later)!

And come to the blog party Tues. nt. 8:30-? at the Royal Plaza on E. Main Rd. across from Frotsee Freeze. We'll likely be around there (or at polls) most of the day. Help us with rides, phone calls, etc. Or just come to hear the results- t.v., computer, & poll readings. Food, drinks available, conversations, lampshades on heads, whatever... You don't really want to sit home alone, do you?

Be Prepared Tuesday!

I love Chris Barnett from the Sec. of St. office who sends me super press releases & is always responsive to my inquiries. I'd vote for her (I'm fairly sure it's a "her") any day! Thanks to Sec. Mollis for hiring her!

"[Here is advice] which Secretary of State Mollis hopes will help voters cope with the expected record turnout on November 4. I embedded links in the body of the email. If the links don't work on your site, here are the URL's in order of appearance at the end of this email:

With record turnout predicted for Election Day, Secretary of State Mollis is urging voters to be prepared.

Because this is Rhode Island's third election this year, voters may be headed to their new third polling place since March. So use the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center confirm the location of your polling place ahead of time. You can also see a sample ballot for your neighborhood. Review your choices now so you are ready to vote when you get to the poll.
Rhode Island has registered 42,000 new voters since February, Even if you aren't voting for the first time, check the accuracy of your voter registration info now. That will give you time to resolve any discrepancy with your local board of canvassers now rather than at a busy polling place on Election Day.

Mollis warns that turnout will be heaviest from 7-9 a.m. and from 5-7 p.m. So, vote during off hours when you can get in and out of the polls faster. Any eligible voter in line when the doors close at 9 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. And you are allowed to bring a marked sample ballot or other material that will help you in the voting booth.

If your name is not on the voter registration list at your polling place, you are eligible to vote a provisional ballot. Your ballot will be counted if elections officials determine that you are properly registered.

“I encourage you to take advantage of your right to vote. The upcoming presidential election may set America’s course for the next eight years. Your vote matters. Make your voice heard,” Mollis says.

http://www.sec.state.ri.us/vic/
http://www.sec.state.ri.us/vic/
http://www.sec.state.ri.us/elections/faq/canvassers.html
http://www.sec.state.ri.us/elections/voting/voting/ProvisionalVoting.html "

Newport Goes for Obama

Well, kinda. Here is a fun story from Sec. of St. Mollis' office from Christ Barnett (Press Sec'y):

With Election Day less than four days away, students at Michael’s Country Day School in Newport got a practical lesson in civics today when Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis’ office staged a mock presidential election.

“Some of these young people will be our leaders of tomorrow. This is the age to engage. I hope our visit will create a new generation of voters and citizens committed to making their voices heard,” Mollis said.

More than 200 students voted using an official voting machine and ballots similar to those their parents will use on Election Day. Barack Obama received 128 votes and John McCain received 74. Third-party candidates Ralph Nader and Bob Barr received 4 and 1 votes, respectively.

The Secretary of State’s office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the state’s central voter registration system and distributes handbooks that explain how to run for office, how to register to vote and how to vote.

Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.

Chris Barnett

Bishop Tobin on Voting

I enjoyed reading this article by Projo reporter Maria Armental. What the Bishop seems to be suggesting is that when you vote, you should weigh many factors & vote your conscience. Social issues count.

Vote Early, Vote Often!

Now, you really don't take my title seriously, right?

The Sec. of St. is advising you to avoid the high traffic hours- the first two hours or so of polling & 5-7. Please, take a sample ballot with you or something that will speed you up- it's a LONG ballot (two sides).

You shouldn't be asked for i.d. If you are, ask why. If they won't let you vote, insist on an emergency ballot. Problem? CALL the emergency help line at 222-2340. Don't let anyone give you any crap about voting. It's YOUR BIRTHRIGHT. Be Loud!

From the NDN:

HELP WANTED: the town of Middletown is looking for volunteers to work at the polls on Election Day. All volunteers must undergo poll worker training, which is being offered free of charge Wednesday, at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. at the Newport campus of the Community College of Rhode Island on Connell Highway. If you are interested, call the town clerk's office at 847-0009.

"Uncounted- the New Math of American Elections"

This note from the R. I. Progressive League: "Uncounted-the New Math of American Elections
is showing at 1 pm on Friday, June 6 at the Opera House theater (on Washington Square), as part of the Newport Film Festival. "Uncounted is an explosive documentary that shows how the election fraud that changed the outcome of the 2004 election led to even greater fraud in 2006."

Register to Vote by Sat.

Thanks to Newport Daily News managing editor Sheila Mullowney for the reminder in her editorial today. Here are saome FAQ's from the Sec. of St. regarding voter registration.

Deputy Town Clerk Karin Clancey also reminds me that Sat. at the Middletown Public Library you can also register. Saturday registration time is from 10:00-4.

Trusting the Voting System in Rhode Island

This is excerpted from my previous posting.

1. Hacking Democracy by Harris & Michaels. Exposes the vulnerability of computer voting. You missed it! R.I. uses ES&S optiscan system (Eagle III-PE) and has regular problems with it every election. This is the purvey of the Board of Elections (appointed), not the Secretary of State- I do believe this is unique.
Think that it's reliability is beyond question- think again. A decision by Judge Fortunato states that the Board has ceded too much authority to ES&S optiscanners in deciding whether or not a vote is valid.
The Board still has not responded regarding questions that I asked almost 3 wks. ago- their software testing report, requirements for recounts, etc. They did give me the model info, though, but not as much as in today's Projo article.
Every election has seen problems with this system. Remember the last General Election when the system did not update with Little Compton votes (& others) until the next day? They weren't even posted for 3 days. Oops.
Here are the questions that I posed:
1. Who is the maker of our optiscan system? Answer rec'd. ES&S is the largest maker of voting equipment. They have had problems around the world, not just the USA. Plug their name into any search engine & be prepared to read problem after problem not just regarding their equipment but their management/ownership also.
2. Who does the pre-election certification of the software? Does the State have the choice to choose it's own certifier? Has it been reviewed for security? Can I have a copy of this document? No answer & now I know why. There is no certification process. Um, like, this is kinda important. How do you know this stuff does what it says? What about security?
3. Can the State use its own certification process for the memory cards involved? Also important to guarantee the status of these cards; e.g., no votes on it & no executable programs lingering. No answer. Also important. Ever have a bad disk/card?
4. What is the process for having a certified recount? Can all votes be reviewed for the asking or does a preliminary review have to be done first? No answer. For all that yakking about a "paper trail," in fact it's never been pursued. Everything just sits in locked up in warehouses & you are not welcome to review. Getting a recount is virtually impossible.
This from the R.I. Board of Elections Director Kando: “Our equipment is among the oldest in the nation,” he said. “I think it’s one of the most-tested systems.” Say what? Tested by whom? If it's old, don't you think it may need testing for its continued reliability? How do you know hackers haven't got this "old stuff" figured out? How about the memory cards? Do we use them? Who examines them before use?
Thanks to Rhode Island's Future for alerting me to Projo's article by Bruce Landis. This is a storm brewing. If you can't verify our elections system (and it appears you can't), then like, er, um, democracy & voting ain't worth much. Kinda gets you in the gut.
Is our system reliable? Prove it- every election, please. How about periodic, regular, random audits of the "paper trail?" I also want all hardware & software evaluated by our choice of certifiers. Sounds like a duh! to me.

Sunday Documentary Series at Newport's Firehouse

January Documentary Series at the Firehouse Theater which is at 4 Equality Park Place. No problem parking in the area now! There are four films with one offered each Sun. night at 7 PM. Now you KNOW you're not doing anything then. A donation of $5 is asked. Discussion afterwards.

1. Hacking Democracy by Harris & Michaels. Exposes the vulnerability of computer voting. You missed it! R.I. uses ES&S optiscan system (Eagle III-PE) and has regular problems with it every election.
This is the purvey of the Board of Elections (appointed), not the Secretary of State- I do believe this is unique. Think that it's reliability is beyond question- think again. A decision by Judge Fortunato states that the Board has ceded too much authority to ES&S optiscanners in deciding whether or not a vote is valid. The Board still has not responded regarding questions that I asked almost 3 wks. ago- their testing report, requirements for recounts, etc. They did give me the model info, though, but not as much as in today's Projo article.

Every election has seen problems with this system. Remember the last General Election when the system did not update with Little Compton votes (& others) until the next day? They weren't even posted for 3 days.

Here are the questions that I posed:
1. Who is the maker of our optiscan system? Answer rec'd.

2. Who does the pre-election certification of the software? Does the State have the choice to choose it's own certifier? Has it been reviewed for security? Can I have a copy of this document? No answer & now I know why. There is no certification process. Um, like, this is kinda important.

3. Can the State use its own certification process for the memory cards involved? Also important to guarantee the status of these cards; e.g., no votes on it & no executable programs lingering. No answer

4. What is the process for having a certified recount? Can all votes be reviewed for the asking or does a preliminary review have to be done first? No answer. For all that yakking about a "paper trail," in fact it's never been pursued. Everything just sits in locked up in warehouses & you are not welcome to review. Getting a recount is virutally impossible.

This from the Board of Elections Kando: “Our equipment is among the oldest in the nation,” he said. “I think it’s one of the most-tested systems.” Say what? Tested by whom? If it's old, don't you think it may need testing for its continued reliability? How do you know hackers haven't got this "old stuff" figured out? How about the memory cards? Do we use them? Who examines them before use?

Thanks to Rhode Island's Future for alerting me to Projo's article by Bruce Landis. This is a storm brewing. If you can't verify our elections system (and it appears you can't), then like, er, um, democracy & voting ain't worth much. Kinda gets you in the gut.

2. Escape from Suburbia by Greene. Connects the dots between unsustainable suburban lifestyle & modern-day issues: food production, econ. meltdown, & population die-off. Click here for a new state website- PostCarbon Rhode Island. I'm also pointing you here to one set of minutes and here from the "Newport Goes Green Task Force." They have a report coming out soon, I believe. Too late to see this one also.

**3. Sicko by Michael Moore. U.S. healthcare w/HMO's compared to universal free care in Can., UK, & France. This Sunday! See it if you haven't yet had the chance. Very entertaining & informative.

4. No End in Sight by Ferguson. Chronicles reasons behind Iraq's guerilla war.

I've given you links for all the films for more info & time length. The theater tends to be chilly so dress appropriately. Blankets are offered. Thanks to Gracious Audette (RI Progressive League)for the info.

"Voters First Commission' Votes: Because We Say So

From the minutes of the June 18th meeting of the Sec. of State's Voters First Advisory Commission:

Senator June Gibbs-
A non-binding referendum has been submitted regarding eliminating the straight party ticket. The Commission has voted unanimously to support the bill [May 29].

Bill: S-293 calls for a non-binding referendum regarding the use of straight party ticket voting. Ooh, this is Sen. Gibbs bill. What happened? Held for further study - buried alive.
Commission Members Present & voting:
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis
Senator June Gibbs
Representative Jon Brien
Ken McGill, Pawtucket Board of Canvassers
Bob Kando, Director, RI Board of Elections
Jan Ruggiero, Director, Secretary of State’s Elections Division

BTW, these May 29 minutes do not follow Open Meetings rules. It neglects to list absent members Rep Pichardo, Rep. Alemida, & Sue Stenhouse (duh!).

Excuse my ignorance here, but what's the purpose of hearings if you've already voted??? There wasn't even any discussion. Why are you traveling across the State even asking? Why not just vote now on the other items on your agenda & take a vacation? BTW, there were only 2 members from the public present at the 1 p.m. meeting. Hmm, guess it was kept kinda quiet. Wonder why?

File under Gimme A Break!

Voting is My Birthright!

I am somewhat disappointed in Sec. of State Mollis' recently appointed bi-partisan "Voters First Advisory Committee" in delivering election reform. I find it disconcerting that the Secretary lists 10 proposals for the group to deliberate on in the hopes that these could be addressed & in place for the upcoming 2008 elections. So much for independence.
One idea is a voter i.d. system. "The lack of a photo ID system creates the perception of voter fraud, shakes voter confidence and leads to lack of voter participation," states Mollis. Notice the use of the word"perception" rather than "fact." Where is all this voter fraud in this state? I'd like to know. This is what leads to poor turnout? Says who? Where has voter confidence been shaken? In this district? Those filing mail-in ballots would not have to offer voter i.d., so what's the point? Today's Projo came up with ONE dead person voting in Prov. Guess the sky ain't falling after all.
This so-called "perception" is neo-con baloney of "repeat it often enough until the masses believe that it is true. "Or "you can fool all of the people some of the time." Perception is everything. Facts mean little. Spin, spin, spin. Instead of voter i.d. why not increase the integrity of the rolls. Guillaume deRamel had it right (why wasn't he appointed to the group). Tie the rolls up with death notices, even real estate transactions to assure their integrity. Not impossible.

Voter i.d. has been thrown out by state courts. Restricting voting, e.g., poll taxes & tests, work against the populace in this country and have repeatedly done such. At this point in time I have 10 cards in my purse. I'm really looking forward to one that I use only every other year (plus the longer lines). I am aware that at one polling place here (Middletown's Senior Center), all voters at one time were being asked for i.d. If I had known this sooner I would have called in a complaint. Well-trained poll workers are essential along with party checkers.
I resent having to prove my birthright. I'm not buying liquor or applying for a drivers' license. I was born with this most basic right. If I don't have it, you prove it. Not the other way around. Common Cause agrees with me. We'll both be watching this group.
*Anchor Rising" did a nice write-up of this committee. They have other news links. I agree that it's a good political move. Esp. adding possible opposition to the group. Kind of takes the wind out of Sue Stenhouse.
Now what could this group take up - mail-in voting (I've long been in favor of no-fault absentee voting which the group is going to take up), same-day registration, campaign financing, our elections board, instantaneous run-offs, lowering the voting age...

Sen. Gibbs for Voter Disenfranchment

As if it's not already difficult enough with long lines and often a fair amount of walking required, the good Senator along with Bates, Cote, Blais, and Breene have an idea to even make it "better." No, it's not a law for "no-fault" mail-in ballots. This bill would require every person to produce either one form of identification with their name, address and photograph, or two forms of identification that bear the name and address of that person.

Having been in the past a highly mobile person, even I can see problems with this. Suppose I've just moved & have no current i.d. proving this. College students may also find this problematic. Their i.d. may not reflect current addresses. Many of the elderly no longer have a valid i.d. and any i.d. that they have may not reflect their current address. What about those with no drivers' license? Even state i.d. costs $25 and you need the proper i.d. to get it. Sometimes when I go to vote others go with me. They often don't have any i.d. on them. Ever have your i.d. "temporarily" lost?

I don't know about you, but I no longer have my Soc. Sec. card (heck, it was made of paper & just disintegrated). Zilch on my birth certificate. Fortunately, I still have a valid passport. BTW, replacing/obtaining these documents is neither easy nor cheap.

"We believe photo ID is the kind of confidence-building measure that is warranted in light of past fraud,' said Mark 'Thor' Hearne, the chief election lawyer for the 2004 Bush campaign and now counsel to the American Center for Voting Rights, a conservative advocacy group. He predicted the identification laws will prompt higher turnout." (Do you suppose he said this with crossed fingers behind his back?)

"Mary G. Wilson, national president of the League of Women Voters, said identification laws, particularly ones requiring photo IDs, are 'odious' and added: 'There is very little evidence there's been any kind of voting by people who are ineligible to vote. We view this as basically another unnecessary hurdle voters are being put through.'"

"...study after study and investigation after investigation show that polling place fraud of the sort that identification would prevent has rarely occurred. Meanwhile, thousands—perhaps millions—of eligible voters would be disenfranchised by such a requirement, affecting election outcomes. Identification requirements would be most likely to impede the poor, minorities, the disabled, the young, and the elderly—all groups that historically have tended to vote for Democrats. And identification advocates who raise concerns about voting place fraud are closely associated with the Republican party." Tova Andrea Wang, Democracy Fellow at The Century Foundation.

The few states that have laws like these find them, under attack in the courts. The ACLU, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters are all against this attempt to institute what amounts to a national voting i.d. We should be making voting easier instead of more difficult.

So where is the voter fraud that demands this action? Do you think it has anything to do with them being (dare I say it) Republican? Another act this group of legislators presented takes away the party lever. Go figure.