Denver and The De-polling-place-ification of America

[Wilms]

Polling places in America are being closed down in favor of "super centers" that consolidate precincts by up to a 5:1 ratio as done in Denver, CO.

This is happening for a few reasons.

In order to comply with HAVA, polling places need to be wheel-chair accessible. Fair enough, though a surveyed majority say they prefer voting absentee.

Helping states/counties pay for HAVA (the fed $ is only for getting you hooked on the e-vote drug after-which you pay dearly) the de-polling-place-ification reduces the costs of renting/administering polling-places.

I think it makes it harder for people to vote when it's miles instead of blocks to the precinct. That suppresses the vote (which generally favors which party?).

It may increase absentee voting but that's it's own bag of woes.

Plus. Plus, there's something American about walking to your polling place to cast your vote, if you'll pardon my Norman Rockwell-esque sentiment.

De-polling-place-ification is un-American. :patriot:


Here's what John Gideon observes.

snip

Result: Lines 4 blocks long.

Day After Result: "Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher today asked that Denver's two elected voting commissioners resign and that the mayor fire Clerk and Recorder Wayne Vaden as well as the entire senior staff of the election commission."

snip

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=3766

The Denver Post reports.

Claiming his blood boiled yesterday, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper today announced the formation of a blue-ribbon panel, chaired by himself and Council President Michael Hancock, to investigate the dysfunctionality of the Denver Election Commission. He wants the panel's recommendations for revamping the commission to be completed by mid-December, in time for voters to approve any changes to the city's charter in the May municipal elections.

"In every election, there seems to be new problems and new excuses from the Denver Election Commission," he said at a news conference. "We tried to proactively assist the Denver Election Commission--as much as they would let us--with all of the financial and human resources possible for this election, but that clearly wasn't enough.

"They clearly didn't anticipate every problem--repeatedly assuring us that their test runs were successful and rebuffing additional offers of IT assistance from the Technology Services department. While I don't have authority over the Denver Election Commission, I will take responsibility for fixing this situation."

http://origin.denverpost.com/news/ci_4623732

[aquart]

1. Did HAVA get anything right?

Did any bill passed by the BushCo congress get anything right? Did they do even one single thing that genuinely benefited the American people? One?

[bobbieinok]

2. anyone who's ever actually physically gone to a polling place to vote

KNOWS that consolidation in a few centers will cause transportation problems, long lines, anger and frustration, etc.

Why not just be honest and say 'HEY, there's no need to take time to vote; trust us, we'll take care of you.'

[Melissa G]

3. Smaller precincts make for shorter lines. Neighbors watching

neighbors vote and count adds security and it is is more fun! I voted early so i could spend more time GOTVing election day but I missed voting in my neighborhood and chatting with my friends as I did it.

Mega polling places make it easier to steal elections.

[Wilms]

4. That's what I'm sayin'.

And then my dog and I went to the little sandwich shop and discussed non-tranparent elections with a few people there.

Like that.

[Melissa G]

5. I'm just restating your important point ,wilms..

and I like your pic....:hi: