Voter Registration

[ylexot]

Anybody else think that we need some major voter registration/voting system reworking after this election?

I think we should not allow third-party voter registration. Considering all the allegations of fraud, etc. I think this is a necessary step. If you want to vote, go register yourself. Maybe even have an online web voter registration system.

I think we also need to require an ID when you go vote. I'm not sure how to handle absentee ballots. What do they have to do now?

 

[Bogart]

I've never had any trouble registering to vote and I move all the time. I don't get why there needs to be more than two parties involved. If you are too stupid to figure out how to register, you are too stupid to vote.

Also, dead people should not be allowed to vote.

 

[2ndAmendment]

Also, dead people should not be allowed to vote.

Or convicted felons, or illegal aliens, or legal aliens if they are not citizens, or cartoon characters or any of the myriad other strange registrants that have been uncovered.

 

[ylexot]

Hey 2A, you probably know this...who sets the voting rules? Fed or state? It seems to be the state, but what control does the fed have over it (if any)?

 

[2ndAmendment]

Hey 2A, you probably know this...who sets the voting rules? Fed or state? It seems to be the state, but what control does the fed have over it (if any)?

The feds have some control over federal elections. Congressmen and Senators are not considered federal since they represent the state. The state controls state elections, registration, and the like. Some states require ID from voters and other do not.

 

[Tonio]

I think we should not allow third-party voter registration.

I didn't know you could register through a non-govermental office. I thought you had to go to a post office or DMV to register.

For a minute, I thought you meant that voters should be required to pick Republican or Democrat on their party affiliation.

 

[Ken King]

Hey 2A, you probably know this...who sets the voting rules? Fed or state? It seems to be the state, but what control does the fed have over it (if any)?

It is absolutely run by the states. Elections are governed by the US Constitution, the laws of this nation, and the laws of the many states. The states determine who is and isn’t a registered voter.

 

[willie]

Or convicted felons, or illegal aliens, or legal aliens if they are not citizens, or cartoon characters or any of the myriad other strange registrants that have been uncovered.

What is the theory behind not letting convicted felons vote?

 

[2ndAmendment]

What is the theory behind not letting convicted felons vote?

As I understand it (could be wrong), it is not legal for felons that have not served their time to vote, or it wasn't. That includes parolees. Once they have served their complete sentence, they are free to vote again. I think this is probably on a state by state basis, but may be covered under federal election law for federal offices.

Besides that, are they going to set up a polling place in every prison? I don't think so.

 

[willie]

As I understand it (could be wrong), it is not legal for felons that have not served their time to vote, or it wasn't. That includes parolees. Once they have served their complete sentence, they are free to vote again. I think this is probably on a state by state basis, but may be covered under federal election law for federal offices.

Besides that, are they going to set up a polling place in every prison? I don't think so.

Coincidentally, this mornings Post had several articles on the subject. I can't find it in the online edition for a link but it only pertains to a handful of states. Maryland doesn't have as many restrictions as some but the law says that once convicted, never ever do you vote again. Virginia is now trying to reverse it. The law makes no sense to me.

 

[Ken King]

It is state by state, in Maryland, this is the law;
§ 3-102.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an individual may become registered to vote if the individual:
(1) is a citizen of the United States;
(2) is at least 18 years old or will be 18 years old on or before the day of the next succeeding general or special election;
(3) is a resident of the county as of the day the individual seeks to register; and
(4) registers pursuant to this title.

(b) An individual is not qualified to be a registered voter if the individual:
(1) has been convicted of theft or other infamous crime, unless the individual:
(i) has been pardoned; or
(ii) 1. in connection with a first conviction, has completed the court-ordered sentence imposed for the conviction, including probation, parole, community service, restitutions, and fines; or
2. in connection with a subsequent conviction, has completed the court-ordered sentence imposed for the conviction, including probation, parole, community service, restitutions, and fines, and at least 3 years have elapsed since the completion of the court-ordered sentence imposed for the conviction, including probation, parole, community service, restitutions, and fines;
(2) is under guardianship for mental disability; or
(3) has been convicted of buying or selling votes.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, an individual is not qualified to be a registered voter if the individual has been convicted of a second or subsequent crime of violence, as defined in § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article.

 

[willie]

Thanks Ken. I just don't get the connection except possibly the part about buying votes. Even that is a bit of a stretch.

 

[ylexot]

Thanks Ken. I just don't get the connection except possibly the part about buying votes. Even that is a bit of a stretch.

Like I said in another thread a while ago, if you commit a felony, it shows that you do not respect the rule of law. So why should you be allowed to vote in a system that is based on the rule of law? I like that MD gives people one chance to redeem themselves. Two strikes, no more voting.

So Willie, do you think that anyone should be able to vote no matter what?

 

[Ken King]

Thanks Ken. I just don't get the connection except possibly the part about buying votes. Even that is a bit of a stretch.

Like others have pointed out, and for me, it is a matter of if a person cannot live within the rule of law they shouldn't have a say as to who the people will be that create or execute the law.