Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:47 -0500
From: “Pete Jaeger”
Subject: Polling place “antics”
Dear Chathamites:
Although I exercised my rights as a citizen (to vote) yesterday I was somewhat dismayed to have a person outside the polling place hand me an exact copy of the ballot (albeit green in color) which was filled in (marked) with all the candidates of a particular party – obviously “showing me HOW TO VOTE! I kidded the person who gave this to me that maybe I wanted to vote the “opposite way” and then she asked me to return the green “ballot” – I did not as I was interested in this strategy!
I’m not going to suggest that this was/is illegal or that the “org.” responsible for it’s distribution thinks that “their” voters are so dumb that they need a “guide” (they were NOT the League of Women Voters) as to WHO to cast their ballot for — hummmmmm?
I will give them credit, however, and as one who has run for office in the past this was a very good campaign ploy to help any “sheep” who went to the polls without their minds already made up (are there people of this ilk? – I guess there are!) other than perhaps their presidential choices. Voting a straight party ticket would eliminate some of the need for a “cheat sheet” but I for one have almost always wanted to vote across party lines in many instances – that is one reason why I registered as an Independent last year.
Well, I feel better having shared my displeasure of being “told” who to vote for outside the polling place! On the bright side it was a pleasure to see Gene Galin there and be able to introduce him to my friends who joined me to vote.
A last comment – (and I know one of the folks involved – and I admire her– however) Just because a campaign sign has been removed/”stolen” — How did you know it was the “opposition” who removed it and then replaced it with that opponents sign”? Maybe it was just someone who wanted it for their yard? Unless, you have proof positive you are just expressing your feelings and then your personal displeasure regarding the political party (by name) which IMHO is a tad unfair. Again, just my two cents!
Pete Jaeger (who can’t wait for this election year to be over – win/lose/draw!!!)
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