Quick Wednesday Update
Hi all!
My card club is tomorrow night so I've been designing the cards, but other than that, not much is happening. I do want to direct ya'll over to Erica's blog for a cool project using some products from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Catalog and the new Pockets & Pieces. Awesome hostess gift alert!
Also, mama got a pretty nice tax return (oh yeah!) and has been throwing down some cash on things that I've been eyeing for a while now. So Sephora's sending me a Clarisonic. Anyone have one of these? I don't feel like my makeup is completely washed off after I clean my face, and I've heard awesome things about the Clarisonic so I thought I'd give it a try. Plus they have a full 60-day return policy. I'll let you know how it goes.
In other random bits of news, what's up with the Utah primary polls that require you to say which party you're voting for before you're even given a ballot? And what if you want to vote for a Republican candidate, but don't want to register as a Republican voter? Hello? Stupid. Shouldn't it be that you just walk in, get a ballot and vote? With no questions asked. Without having to tell the workers at the precinct which party you're voting for. You shouldn't be asked out in the open who you're voting for when there are twenty people behind you waiting to vote, too.
I'm sad to say I didn't make it out to vote yesterday, but people I know had similar experiences yesterday. Tell me, do other parts of the country have ridiculous primary voting requirements?
UPDATE: There are some really great explanations in the comments section about closed primaries. Thanks for all your input and info. I think I understand it more clearly now. :)
I guess my issue isn't with the fact that you can only vote within your party. My issue is with the way the voting is handled in general. Living in a state that is overwhelmingly Republican, it can be a bit intimidating declaring yourself anything against the majority--especially for first time voters. After one of my co-workers told the poll workers she needed the Democratic ballot, someone said, "Another one? What's happening to this place?"
What?! Who wants to face those type of comments or dirty looks (as one of the commenters experienced) because of their party affiliation?
Personally, I believe that because voting is nearly all electronic now, that there should be some sort of preliminary/opening question on the computer you're using that first asks you (not in front of everyone, but after you're in the booth) which party you'd like to vote for. THEN it brings up the names of those running within your party. You pick your candidate and then you're done. The ONLY thing they should verbally ask you is, "Are you affiliated with either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party? Yes or No." If you're not, then you can register to one or the other right there before you vote.
Just my opinion. Basically I have a problem with rude people--whether it's while I'm voting or while I'm driving down the street. In every imaginable situation, rude people bug me.
I'll hop off my soap box now.
Discuss.
My card club is tomorrow night so I've been designing the cards, but other than that, not much is happening. I do want to direct ya'll over to Erica's blog for a cool project using some products from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Catalog and the new Pockets & Pieces. Awesome hostess gift alert!
Also, mama got a pretty nice tax return (oh yeah!) and has been throwing down some cash on things that I've been eyeing for a while now. So Sephora's sending me a Clarisonic. Anyone have one of these? I don't feel like my makeup is completely washed off after I clean my face, and I've heard awesome things about the Clarisonic so I thought I'd give it a try. Plus they have a full 60-day return policy. I'll let you know how it goes.
In other random bits of news, what's up with the Utah primary polls that require you to say which party you're voting for before you're even given a ballot? And what if you want to vote for a Republican candidate, but don't want to register as a Republican voter? Hello? Stupid. Shouldn't it be that you just walk in, get a ballot and vote? With no questions asked. Without having to tell the workers at the precinct which party you're voting for. You shouldn't be asked out in the open who you're voting for when there are twenty people behind you waiting to vote, too.
I'm sad to say I didn't make it out to vote yesterday, but people I know had similar experiences yesterday. Tell me, do other parts of the country have ridiculous primary voting requirements?
UPDATE: There are some really great explanations in the comments section about closed primaries. Thanks for all your input and info. I think I understand it more clearly now. :)
I guess my issue isn't with the fact that you can only vote within your party. My issue is with the way the voting is handled in general. Living in a state that is overwhelmingly Republican, it can be a bit intimidating declaring yourself anything against the majority--especially for first time voters. After one of my co-workers told the poll workers she needed the Democratic ballot, someone said, "Another one? What's happening to this place?"
What?! Who wants to face those type of comments or dirty looks (as one of the commenters experienced) because of their party affiliation?
Personally, I believe that because voting is nearly all electronic now, that there should be some sort of preliminary/opening question on the computer you're using that first asks you (not in front of everyone, but after you're in the booth) which party you'd like to vote for. THEN it brings up the names of those running within your party. You pick your candidate and then you're done. The ONLY thing they should verbally ask you is, "Are you affiliated with either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party? Yes or No." If you're not, then you can register to one or the other right there before you vote.
Just my opinion. Basically I have a problem with rude people--whether it's while I'm voting or while I'm driving down the street. In every imaginable situation, rude people bug me.
I'll hop off my soap box now.
Discuss.
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posted on February 6, 2008 9:23 AM by Kristina |
33 Comments posted in General |
I check your blog everyday, but have never commented until now. I love your cards and projects, but the whole election thing is something I have to get up on my soapbox about. In Florida (where I currently live) you can only vote in the Primary for someone in the party of which you are registered. When you go into the little polling booth, they plug a thing into the voting machine that tells it who you are and so only people from your party even come up on the ballot. If you're an independent...you can't vote in the Primary at all. I think that's wrong!! We lived in Provo during the last presidential election. When I went to vote they asked me which political party I was a member of...when I told the election worker, she gave me a dirty look and reluctantly showed me to my booth. First of all, I don't really think it was any of her business and second of all...a dirty look? AHHHHH! The whole political process is frustrating!
Closed primary elections are pretty standard fare. (Closed meaning you have to be a member of the party to vote in their election). Elections are closed to prevent people who usually wouldn't vote in a party from "throwing" the election, or voting for the least desirable candidate, so as to give the other party the advantage.
It's also another way to reward loyal party members. You don't get a say if you don't belong.
I just went to Erica's blog and she mentioned something about a friend of hers made the "Absolutely Fabulous" set. I've been meaning to ask you if you SU hired you to write those sentiments but just didn't want you to think I was crazy. Love, love your handwriting and when I saw that set I thought of you right away and bought it. So.. spill =)
Yep, things are the same here in New York. We have closed primaries. I think if you're registered in ANY party, you should be able to vote for anyone you'd like. Not that our votes really matter though- delegates & the electoral college decide the President, not us.
Hey...that happened to me and I felt uncomfortable announcing that in front of the whole line, too!
I'm a silent lurker here, also. Love this site, it is at the top on my toolbar as a link which I check every day. (can you say obsessive? lol) Anyway, I've been a registered voter for 30 plus years and have lived in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, California and now Kentucky. It has been the same in every state. In the primary, you only get to vote for your parties candidates. In the general election, you vote for whoever you feel like from either party. But that's not my complaint. Try living in Kentucky, where your vote doesn't matter at all!!! We don't even vote in our primary until MAY!!! Can you say it is all over by then??!!?? We have no voice here at all! It stinks! If 20+ states can have their primary on the same day, then why can't the rest of us? It really isn't fair to those of us in states that don't get a full slate of candidates to vote for. Sorry. Just needed to vent, I guess. I love your blog, and appreciate your listening.
Hi,
I also come to your website everyday for inspiration ... you are amazing!
I bought the Clarisonic after I saw in on Oprah's favorite things .... I absolutely love it!
I believe Dee has it right...the ideas is for each party to vote for who THEY want for president...I wouldn't want those from another party voting in my party and picking what might appear to be the weakest candidate so that their party would have an easier time beating them in the main election. ..if any of that makes sense. ;) Also, you should be proud of the party that you are in and not care what anyone else thinks
Hi Kristina -- Washington State has the same rule but thankfully, I vote via absentee ballot so wasn't asked in person. I'm still irritated that I had to check a box specifying which party I was voting when I will quickly change parties at the general election this fall if my preferred candidate doesn't make it. They also wanted my phone number after saying my name and vote will be passed on to the party of my choice. Thankfully, I'm unlisted - no way do I want a bunch of phone calls asking for my money and vote. Makes you wish it was November already (except for the whole skipping spring and summer thing!)
I am also a silent reader of your blog. I love your ideas and your videos. I so look forward to MACM.
I have to agree that the idea behind the primary/caucus is to narrow the field for each party to one candidate each. Dems vote for Dems, Reps for Reps. If we all voted across the board now there would be no need for the General Election in November, where we do get to vote on any candidate, regardless of party. When they ask for your party affiliation, it is to give you the correct ballot for your party. Be proud of the party you choose to support. And if a poll worker gives you stink eye, report them to the person in charge at your polling place. They are there to help along the democratic process...not be judgemental.
Love your blog, just thought I'd let you know. And as far as the whole primary thing. I don't like it all. It's like telling us who our president is going to be before we get a chance to really think about it and REALLY vote on it.
Here in Oklahoma...you walk in and they ask you if you are Democrat or Republican and you are then give the ballot accordingly. Dems only vote on Dems and Reps only vote on Rep ballots.
In the General election...it is your day...you can vote on your favorite candidate..no restrictions.
I love your site..I really look forward to Monday..your video's are so good..I love the closeup views also. Thank you so much ...you give me inspiration..keep it up! I need all I can get. Hugs from Oklahoma...Dee
Yep, in Missouri they do the same thing. I thought that was strange too.
I live in Illinois and it's the same thing. I don't have a problem with it but I'm of an older generation and am more focused on appreciating living in this country. If you don't like it you can always speak out about it. Tell your representative.
I have a friend in upstate NY whose polling place is only one big ole machine. There is a poll worker there who has to walk over to the machine and switch it whatever party you tell him you're registered in.....*L*
In the Illinois primary, we get only the ballot for the party in which we register. We used to be able to Absentee vote, but now we have "early voting" for weeks ahead of time, so it's much harder to get an absentee ballot.
It's all such a mess. I'm glad the younger people are beginning to question it. But then, I used to question it too.
Indiana is the same.
I want to tell you that the other night I was watching some of your videos and I got completly sucked in. They are awesome. Love the music too.
Okay,
a) Stop sending me out vibes to buy this thing...I have a Sephora gift card burning a hole in my wallet!
b) That primary thing is so weird. I saw this on Crooks and Liars, and on a slightly different tangent, it just reeks of disenfranchisement and if nothing else, attitude of electioneers who have nothing better to do!
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/02/06/count-every-vote-in-los-angeles/
Ciao!
Here in Maryland it's the same way. You vote within your party for primary elections but can vote either way in the general elections.
By the way - love your blog, love your work, and love the music on your tutorials, too!
Happy Stampin!
Debi
I agree with what Ramona said. In Idaho we do only get to vote for the candidates in our stated party AND we don't get to vote in a Republican primary until May. They did have the democratic caucus yesterday as part of the Super Tuesday hoopla, which makes sense to me. But to tell republicans they don't get to vote until May basically means their votes are worth NOTHING!! By then the candidates are already chosen. So wrong. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about the Clarisonic. I saw it on Oprah's favorite things and thought, "I NEED that!!" But the price tag is a little steep. Tell me it will make me look 10 years younger and I won't care what it costs!!
You will LOVE the Clarisonic. Inside the box that I got for Christmas was a registration form and if you complete - they will send you two brushes free. I love the timer - when you know you will get your face clean in one minute....it makes you a little less likely to say, "I don't feel like washing my face tonight."
It cleans very deep and my complexion is nearly flawless.
I use my own cleanser - Avon 2n1 - so don't feel that you have to buy their cleanser.
Vote Absentee and only you know how you voted and what party! Love checking out your website. Thanks for sharing.
So here when I voted (Florida) I did it early voting, which I love because it was no lines. Anyhow I gave them my drivers license and they were all clickity clickity and they printed a little recipt that said the right form for me and then a different lady looked at it and gave me the right one. So no one ever said it out loud and only the two ladies even knew.
Other than that I agree that people should only vote in their own party's primary. And also I think it should all be on the same day, it seems unnecessarly confusing they way they do it.
But whoever said that about your friend is poop. How rude!
The last time I got a facial, my esthetician used a Clairsonic on me. It was *so* cool. Tingly. You're going to love it.
We have the same thing out here in CA. Can only vote in the party in which you're registered. Like my poor brother is a registered Libertarian. So he got some lame ballot with people he's never even heard of. If you're "undeclared" or independent, you can ask for a Democratic ballot. But if you want to vote on the Republican ticket, you have to be a registered Republican. *That's* weird.
Sheesh! Just let us vote already! No need to comment on our affiliations!
By the way, my DH and I often differ in our choice of candidates. AND, at a recent family dinner with the in-laws, we all had different thoughts on who we'd vote for. This will be an interesting year!
Love your blog. I'm Canadian, our system works a bit differently. but i think you're totally right about being asked which party you're affiliated with. that's none of their business. what happened to your freedom of rights? keep rambling.
I have a clarisonic. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I have rosacia and even with that huge problem, my skin looks 100 times better. ENJOY
I really like how they did it where i voted, while people were in line they announced if you were independent or wanted to change your party you simply had to fill out a form and then give it to the person that was taking your information. This way no one but you and the person who was helping you knew. I can't believe other places would do it anyother way... Isn't there a right to privacy in these things?
I live in Illinois and it is the same way here. The only difference is that the poll workers where I have voted were not rude like that. You should complain (not sure who you would complain to, though!) as it seems like a form of electioneering which is not allowed near voting places, at least in Illinois.
I did notice that this year, they had you write down on a piece of paper what party ballot you wanted instead of making you declare it out loud.
I have the Clarisonic, LOVE it. I really do. I think it does a nice job of manual exfoliation. We keep ours in the shower. Love that it's waterproof!
Now, onto the voting issue. It must be something in the air, I posted a rant about it on my blog yesterday as well. (And no comments about how it's just that that is when the primary was, ergo the something in the air...)
It is amazingly inefficient. How is this possible? It's like the Post Office. I think they do a fantastic job, I really do. Use them every single day for outgoing packaged. Yet... how come you can't go to a Post Office and get something done without them leaving their station and disappearing? No matter what it is, even if they just take a pre-paid package from you. Why isn't there a conveyor belt behind them? Come on!!!
I'm a blog lurker I found you through Ericas blog a long time ago, and I love everything you do.
I was actually a poll worker yesterday and I felt uncomfortable asking people their political party or even explaining what a closed election is. A lot of people get so angry and just walk out without voting.
Your idea about the questions on the machine is an amazing idea.
For everyones information, you can now vote online in addition to absentee voting and going to the polls the day of the election.
I live in Mississippi, and, at the moment, when you register to vote, you can register as what ever party you want. Then, in the primary, you can pick a party, even if you aren't registered for that party, in which to vote. I don't think that anyone has said this, but the reason you have to select a party to vote from in the primary is because there could be a run-off, and you have to have voted the party the first time around. (I'm having trouble explaining this.) For instance, if one voted Democratic in the primary, and the Republican candidates had to be in a run-off, one cannot go to the run-off and vote Republican. As someone stated, you can't try and swing the election to a weaker candidate so yours can win. Here, we don't have to say what party; we have separate tables, labelled by party, and one goes to which ever table and signs in with a poll worker. One ticks your name off, and then a second one gives you a ballot after she initials it. We use paper ballots. Before Katrina, we used a punch to select the various candidates, and there used to be a machine that “ate” the ballot, but since Katrina, we have to color boxes, and there is a different machine to feed it to. There's another poll worker there, monitoring that box. There have been rumblings from the capitol recently that they want to change the system so that we have to register to one party and vote only that party at the primary. I don't know if the Department of Justice has approved this idea or if they are pushing the idea. (Remember, Mississippi is still subject to DOJ review.) Since your poll workers were rude and derogatory towards you, in particular because of your party affiliation, if you want to complain, you should be able to locate the governmental agency in charge of elections (here, the Election Committee), which is just like any other agency of the State. From there, they will be able to trace the names of the poll workers, back to the party, and ask the party to “educate” the workers better before the next election. Of course, that is presuming someone in the agency cares about doing their job! I also think there should be additional poll watchers at your polling place to whom you should be able to complain right after something like that happens. I would also suggest that you ask her name immediately after such a comment - just flat out say something like, I'm sorry, what is your name? That would help you complain later. From what you described, she will do this again in the future. One other avenue, get in touch with your party and complain to them. They should not like this kind of behavior, either, and they would know how best to complain.
HTH
YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! This is the first election where I have questioned that also - it's completely retarded!!
A person can't change their minds?? That seems quite un-American.
And regardless of your voting block, rude pollworkers (or snarky comments from people in line) just means that they don't appreciate and respect what it means to be an American. Ignore them and VOTE. For whatever your heart tells you to vote for. And then go to VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS!!
Such a fun place and a wonderful time to go. Have fun with those sassy shoes, girl!
Lydia
www.understandblue.blogspot.com
I have a million other things I should be doing but...once again I've been sucked into your lair. I curse you with one fist and raise the other in glee. Thank you for your blog.
This is new territory for me. I have never left a comment anywhere. Sites, blogs no. Restaurants, hotels, and cruises always.
"Voting" I live in the extreme left and liberal state of Wisconsin. Whether voting during a primary or election you just walk in, state your name and address, they check you off their list and hand you a ballot. After you complete your ballot you insert it into "the machine" and take an "I Voted" sticker. This part is very important - after you take the sticker you must immediately stick it on your lapel. Everyone (including myself) gives the stink eye to those exiting that do not have their sticker on. Voting Wisconsinites are very proud voters. We will wear that sticker until it falls off (once, I put some SNAIL on it so that it would stay on longer :)
In summary, the state's voting guidelines are non-existant. We don't have to show an i.d. of any sort. If you don't show up on the registered voter's list then all that is required is a D.L. with your current address and a utility bill. The state's goal is to get everyone to vote by removing all obstacles.
It has its' faults (big faults), but I love it. Gotta go or I'm going to be late for the Walmart protest (and I still have to sort my recyclables). Seriously...I love Wisconsin!