What's wrong with the Holt Bill? (We ought to talk about this.)

[Wilms]

I'm sure Holt would consider fixing the problems uncovered here. But, what's the solution? :shrug:

What's wrong with the Holt Bill?

By ntobi

02/08/2006

The Holt bill has been called "the Gold Standard" by voting rights activists all over the country. It has been co-sponsored by leading political figures, and many voting activist groups are aggressively working towards the passage of this legislation. Now, with the obstructionist Bob Ney gone, proponents of the bill are gearing up to get it a hearing in Ney's former House Administration Committee.

The bill holds promise, but I am hoping that the authors of the bill are willing to give a good hearing to we the people who oppose those elements of the bill that seek to federalize our election systems through broad empowerment of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).

This article explains the inherent problems with the Holt bill, and provides reasons why you, dear reader, should do as I have, and contact Holt's office to ask them to address these concerns and revise the language of the bill accordingly.

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However, the bill would be strengthened by specifically defining real paper ballots as opposed to allowing for error-prone computer printouts as the vote of record.

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HR 550, like several other bills currently supported by senior Dems, supports making the HAVA-created EAC a permanent entity and broadening its powers.

To understand this, please see HR550 Sec. 4 "Permanent Extension of Authorization of Election Assistance Commission." Section 4a gives this Executive entity blanket authority to conduct recounts in any state of their choosing and, "at the option of the State or jurisdiction involved," to conduct recounts of state and local elections!

Think about it. This part of the Holt bill is inviting the Executive branch (the EAC as it is currently structured is an Executive commission) to encroach upon our state and local elections.

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http://www.democracyfornewhampshire.com/node/view/2040

[Stevepol]

1. K&R

[papau]

2. I don't see the problem - additional recounts do not bother me. n/t

n/t

[Wilms]

3. It's who is doing the recount that is at issue.

How cool is it to have the Fed, via the EAC, conducting a recount?

[JimDandy]

4. An EAC recount would be better than none at all

What if a state outlaws recounts? Take Ohio's newest law, for example. I have yet to read either the Holt bill or Ohio's, but I will now. Thanks Wilms for sparking the desire to inquire.

JD

[BeFree]

5. Or, if the feds have control over recounts...

...then will the authority to do recounts be taken away from the states, or, as I am soon to be declaring - my individual right to recount the votes?

The only comfort I take in the whole situation is the fact that some citizens are FINALLY looking over their shoulders and they are getting nervous. There being no reason to be nervous if they are doing their job right, speaks of high crimes and misdemeanors!

We must keep up the heat. We are the heat!

[Wilms]

7. The states would have to allow it and there will (inevitably) be a lawsuit

Maybe I'd feel better with the GAO.

[kster]

6. Kick-n-Recommended ,.nt