Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

[mookie1995]

You do realize that every law has a loophole, or that every law doesn't happen to cover everything, right? Right?

well, jd WAS asking

[Deutsche Gopher Fan]

We should probably nominate Romney.

Oh heck, why not Rubio

[WeAreNDHockey]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

How does a particular city make voting difficult? Aren't they governed by the law in regard to how to handle voters?

You've got to be kidding with this question. You sound like you are the poster child for willful blindness. That elections are controlled at a local level (usually counties)is one of the biggest problems with federal elections in the country. If they were run at least at the state level they might be a little easier to monitor for the rampant unfairness in many places, especially places where a majority or large minority of the voters are either poor or people of color.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

You do realize that every law has a loophole, or that every law doesn't happen to cover everything, right? Right?

And that the local pols have their lobbyists and buddies in the state Congress to pass laws to make it easier for them. Which an R governor will sign, of course, especially one as obnoxious as Greg Abbott has been. Perry and Shrub look moderate in comparison.

[J.D.]

You've got to be kidding with this question. You sound like you are the poster child for willful blindness. That elections are controlled at a local level (usually counties)is one of the biggest problems with federal elections in the country. If they were run at least at the state level they might be a little easier to monitor for the rampant unfairness in many places, especially places where a majority or large minority of the voters are either poor or people of color.

Yes, willful blindness because I don't know how every city handles voters and what laws they are breaking because they don't want certain people to vote. Should be pretty easy to capture, cell phones are magical these days.

[J.D.]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

Or give me an example of a law that is unfair when it comes to voting

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

Or give me an example of a law that is unfair when it comes to voting

I know I’m going to regret this


Voter ID
Purges
No early voting
Fewer polling places
No national holiday
Caucuses

[J.D.]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

The only thing you should regret is some of the things you listed. But just starting right off the bat, the idea that asking for identification (when this happens in so many other areas in life) is somehow wrong when it comes to voting is absolutely ridiculous. And it's not like voter ID is specific to the US either.

[MinnesotaNorthStar]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

I know I’m going to regret this


Voter ID
Purges
No early voting
Fewer polling places
No national holiday
Caucuses

TX has Voter ID, but everyone knows that going in, so that was a non-issue.
There was early voting
No idea the number of polling places, but if I heard the news right tonight, you can go to any polling place you want.

The biggest issue was a decision agreed upon by both parties against the objections of the election commission. They had separate voting machines for Republicans and Democrats, which was unnecessary since you could access either ballot on the machines. I technically used a Republican one in Dallas County since there were zero Republicans actually voting at that time, so the kid told me to use it, but make sure I put my ballot printout in the correct counting machine. I'm guessing the places with a higher turnout enforced that rule a lot more strict.

EDIT: WFAA story on it...

[J.D.]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

I should add there have been studies that contradict voter ID laws allegedly suppressing minority voters while also contradicting that voter ID laws prevent voter fraud. But the general idea of requiring identification is not some outlandish, unheard of concept. Happens in day to day life all the time.

[rufus]

So then who the **** are you proposing?

John Kasich.

[rufus]

Or give me an example of a law that is unfair when it comes to voting

Not a law, but how about this. Since 2012, Texas has closed 750 polling locations. Over 2/3 of them in predominantly black/Latino districts. Meanwhile, the population in those districts has grown by over 2 million.

Fewer places to vote plus more people equal long waits in line. Like five or six hours. Long waits in line means frustrated voters, who either give up and go home, or don't bother to even vote at all.

Surely you're aware that this is happening, right? Not just in Texas, but states all over this country. You can't be this blissfully ignorant.

[rufus]

Yes, willful blindness because I don't know how every city handles voters and what laws they are breaking because they don't want certain people to vote. Should be pretty easy to capture, cell phones are magical these days.

How do you capture a city breaking a law with a cellphone?

I mean Republicans haven't even been able to get a photo of all those MA voters being bused up to NH to vote, despite loudly proclaiming they see it happening all the time.

[J.D.]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

No rufus, I just choose to challenge the traditional talking points such as there somehow being an issue with requiring identification. Your example about closing polling examples is at least a legitimate point. Although even then, you have no clue why a particular polling location or locations closes but if it fits your agenda, have at it. Has nothing to do with being blissfully ignorant. Some of you certainly get very upset over simply explaining your position.

[J.D.]

Re: Democratic Challengers 2020 - 12: The End of the Beginning

But fewer places to vote causing long lines with frustrated voters would impact all voters.