First, the dead tree issue.. just use recycled paper :) Then no more tree will be harmed.

Personally, I like the paper ballots. I like to see that in fact my vote is recorded on this paper, and *I* see it go into the ballot box. It makes me feel like I have cast my vote. An electronic mechanism to do this for me is something I don't want. Although, I like the booths with the levers. But, I don't want to vote on a kiosk, or via a web page, or any other means where I can't visibly see my vote, and know it is going where it is intended.

Now, what concerns me more then how we vote, is what we vote for. We don't vote for the predident, we vote for who we think should get a vote from the Electoral College (EC). They then cast the votes for the president. And, they do not need to vote with the popular vote of the state. They can, and have, voted opposite. Some states mandate that the EC vote with the states popular vote, however, the EC has free will and can still vote as they wish. The state could then take legal action, however, the vote stands as cast by the EC. Even more disturbing to me, is that the EC could abstain from voting (just as any of us can). Just the idea that they can do this outrages me (even though I don't know if it has been done, but the potential is there) because if you have 10 million people in a state vote, and the EC decides to abstain, then 10 million votes are nullified and none of them mattered. Personally, I don't think anyone should have this power in a Democracy.

To summarize, I think the EC is antiquated, and should be disolved. I also believe that the president (just as mayors, governors, etc...) should be elected with the popular vote, by paper ballots.

Cheers,
KM

In reply to RE: Of Dead Trees and Democracy by KM
in thread Of Dead Trees and Democracy by brainpan

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