I must whine

[minx]

New laws go into effect on Wednesday regarding voting.

The no photo-id law isn't really as big a deal as conservatives are going to want to make it - it will just be a headache listening to them whine that all of the illegals are out voting, although they can't give one example of one actually doing so.
Kind of like the woman at the primary who demanded to know how the registrar knows that you're eligible for an absentee ballot - how do they verify your identity without a photo ID?  I politely told her that I didn't know, but that it was a good question and she should call the registrar's office.  Oh no, she didn't want to do THAT.  Asshole.

Anyway, the one I want to whine about is poll-closing time.  It's being extended from 7pm to 8pm.  Now I'm all about making sure everyone has the ability to get to a polling place.  And I'm all about giving the people who work up north enough time to get back here and hit the polls.  But as a poll worker, I am totally groaning inside.  Election day is already long, and now we're extending it an hour?  UGGGGGH!

OTOH, I was smart and put in for Wednesday off long ago, because I knew I'd be sleeping through that day for sure.  In the meantime, I shall have to avoid thinking about a day that will start at 5am and end at God-Only-Knows-When.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

They'll feel better when the vaccine is approved and they inject us with Bill Gates' microchip. Which will eliminate the need for ID, so they'll be first in line to get it. Right?

[minx]

Of course they will, but only if Fox and Trump tell them they need it first!

[Dave's Not Here Man]

I only support Trump getting microchipped if I'm the one to implant it. 👿

[bobathon]

I'd find a megachip for him.

Elections should be spread over a week instead of work hours of one day.

[minx]

Nah, I still feel election day should be one day only.

But I feel much like the selective service, every person in the US should be required to register to vote at age 18.
And there should be a clear and easy way to request your ballot in advance that is communicated to all.
Along with that should be a federal requirement that states report the following information

--The system they use to vote, how elections are secured, and their backup method
--How access to polls are determined, and what is done to ensure that voters in hard-to-reach areas are able to exercise their right to vote

--The number of US citizens (either native-born or naturalized) over the age of 18
--The number of registered voters (the numbers will vary since people move)
--All steps taken to advertise elections & explain the voting process both at the state and local level
--The number of citizens who voted
--The number of ballots rejected or destroyed (due to mistakes or ineligibility - each number should be reported)
--How ballots are secured after the election, and the process to verify ballots in the event of a recount

The goal should be that in the lead-up to election day, everyone who can't get to the polls has an opportunity to vote - either at an early polling station or by mail. Then on election day, anyone who wants to vote in-person has the opportunity to do so, and the election 'officially' (no further ballots will be accepted) ends.

But of course, that isn't to the Republican's benefit in their tiny minds because states that allow full vote-by-mail, like Oregon and Arizona always vote Democrat. Yup, Arizona, blue land of dreams....

[Dave's Not Here Man]

I agree with one day of voting and absolutely support it being a national holiday, but expanded to mandate closure of all non-essential businesses, not the joke we currently consider "essential". I also like the mandated voter registration at age 18, although at this point the country has shifted from 18 being adulthood and moved it back to somewhere in the 20s. An unfortunate side effect of nanny-statism, piss-poor parenting, and a few other choice words I have for the current state of affairs. But I digress. Whatever it is determined or redetermined to be the age of emancipation, I would apply that to the full meaning of the term and apply it to driving, joining the military, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, voting etc. If you can do any of things you can do all of these things.


PS- If they can make a barcode or a QR code that can identify the time, place, and date I purchased a bag of frozen peas, where the peas were grown, what section of the farm, the date and time they were harvested, processed, shipped, and where..... I think we can figure out how to modernize voting that is both more convenient AND secure. my .02c

[minx]

Agreed John!