In case you've missed the news (covered on every lib site I've seen), the Ohio Secretary of State is attempting to block new voter registrations because of paper stock. The Ohio rules state that voter registration cards be printed on thick, 80-pound stock paper, and Blackwell is ensuring that voter cards on thinner paper are thrown back. Atrios points out that this violates the federal Voting Rights Act, specifically the part that prevents the gubmint from: "deny[ing] the right of any individual to vote in any election because of an error or omission on any record or paper relating to any application, registration, or other act requisite to voting, if such error or omission is not material in determining whether such individual is qualified under State law to vote in such election."
First typesetting, now paper stock. Will this election be settled by printers? Or devils?
Anyway, you can let Blackwell know how you feel thusly:
J. Kenneth Blackwell-R
180 E. Broad St., 15th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-3910
E-Mail: blackwell@sos.state.oh.us
Although you could also contact:
Governor Bob Taft
30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6117
Phone 614-466-3555 or 614-644-HELP
| Ohio |
FWIW, here's the letter I sent to Blackwell:
As an American, I am deeply concerned when the rights of voters anywhere in this country are threatened. That is why I am writing to you today. The world looks to this country as a beacon of democracy and freedom. We are the standard by which democracies are judged. That is why, when voters are not registered because of the thickness of the paper on which their cards were printed, we must all stand and say: this is not right. I urge you to enforce the federal Voting Rights Act and strike down the rule which mandates voters conform to an arbitrary paper standard in order to take part in our great democracy. Thank you.
Comment #1 :: link :: September 29, 2004 11:53 AMBlackwell backs down, but continues to make things confusing.
And as I told Lynn yesterday in an email, "You KNOW how important paper weight is. Helllew! It's not like you didn't live with a graphic designer for nine years. And this is, like, totally a NATIONAL election. I mean, this is almost practically as important as, I don't know, a WEDDING. And you know how much time people spend on paper weight for weddings.
I mean, what does it say about the value of our votes if people can just scribble them on any old scrap of napkin? This is a cherished right, a treasured and meaningful gesture, a way to say, 'You, sir, YOU are my choice to lead the free world.' In fact, I'm not sure a 100-lb sateen/ceramic finish wouldn't be more appropriate. In FACT, perhaps we should require all voter registrations to be submitted with the care and precision of a Yale University Graduate School of Architecture Final Project. IN FACT, let me refer you to the following (from AUSTIN, TEXAS, no less), which I propose be incorporated immediately into Ohio and other state's voter registration requirements.
Sorry, Lynn, I know you're all into this crazy new 'voting' trend, but I have to go with the blood-sucking hooligans from Satan's ass on this one."
Comment #2 :: link :: September 30, 2004 03:00 AM
