In addition to this, Same-Day Registration has been upheld in Maine despite the Republican controlled legislatures attempts to abolish it (under the pretense of voter fraud and stress to municipal clerks). Here is an excerpt form an article that addresses the issue of voter fraud:
"In 38 years of same-day voter registration, there have only been two cases of voter fraud, and those individuals were prosecuted and convicted," Bellows says. "So when you look at the facts, you're talking not about one voter whose vote might be negated, you're talking about tens of thousands of Mainers who would be denied their right to vote on Election Day."
Obviously, voter fraud doesn't seem to be much of an issue. With only two cases, a law that could potentially prevent thousands of people from voting in a state that has had same-day registration for over 40 years.... well that does seem a bit extreme. In my opinion, a law like this has no grounds in a representative democracy. People are supposed to vote. That is how our government runs, so why try to prevent people from voting?
Here is the link to a sight that gives a basic overview and a list of what issue 2 does.
http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/issue_2_early_ohio_election_re.html
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I answer this comment after finishing tonight's reading about the principles and tenets behind American democracy. In the textbook, John Locke's views of government were discussed, among them the important idea that the government's power is derived from the people, and if the government goes against its contract, it no longer holds the consent of those it governs (textbook - page 10). Especially since it is election day, and most of us will be able to vote in next year's presidential election, it is important for us to remember the key principles that hold our country together.
As far as the Same-Dat registration issue in Maine, it does make sense that this was not abolished if voter fraud had not been an issue. According to this article (http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Maine-voters-restore-Election-Day-registration-2258418.php) the measure was put on the ballot after the Republican legislature created the law to require registration at least two days in advance. This goes back to Locke's idea of popular consent (textbook page 12), where government power comes from the consent of those it governs.
This is really a huge victory for organized labor and their Democratic allies. Governor Kisch might have overstepped in trying to
limit the rights of thousands of labor workers including firefighters and police officers to negotiate their benefits and discuss other issues.
The law also mandates workers to pay a percentage of their health care benefits and pension.
I think by including firefighters and police officers might have created a more difficult battle for Republican legislatures. The increased health care payments
didn't also appeal to people. With the current economy, they have nothing to pay for extra cost in their health benefits.
They might have also perceived it as the government's duty.
I see the point of some legislatures that they are just trying to balance the state budget. They might also argue that collective bargaining is a privelege and not a right.
But, Ohio laborers think otherwise. It provides them with benefits and gives them protection against exploitation.
The legislatures of Ohio went extreme in trying to curtail certain rights of laborers. Politically, I think some Democrats are also celebrating.
They backed the workers in this fight and they won. This might affect the 2012 election in Ohio since 30% of voters will come from union households.
With the same day registration, I also agree that changing registration date for 2 frauds in 40 years might be extreme. I think that same day registration
benefit many people especially those who are victims of mistakes such as not being in the roster. It will also benefit people who have multiple jobs and are constantly moving.
This law might also discourage some people to vote since they might not have time to register.
To be perfectly honest I was completely shocked with my New York Times app sent me that little notification saying that Ohio voted down Issue 2. And I am still not any less shocked after reading this post. What happened to the whole Unions-going-downhill aspect of society?
I would have expected Issue 2 to pass & the unions to continue being weak, especially since we have become a much more service-based society. Who knows maybe we are going to see an upturn in Union power as they tackle service-based jobs & get those employees to unionize.
As for Same-Day Registration, I'm not as shocked that it was voted down. From what I understand, it doesn't seem like they had really any valuable evidence to back-up their claims. In addition to all the things Alyssa & Jan brought up, voting on the day of the election has always been part of our culture. It's something that people feel pride in - getting rid of Same-Day Registration would just be a blow to any American (well Maine voter for now) who votes.
Even with shock or no shock, I'm still proud of the people who voted these two things down. It seems like many people fall into the spin traps nowadays and it's nice to see that there are people out there who still have their heads on straight & are focusing on the greater good of the people.
This shows that even though there was a wave of Republican victories in 2010, alot of what they want to do is being stopped by the voters. I know that Ohio has a tea party governor that is anti-union so, this is a defeat for him and what he wanted to achieve. I think this indicates a wave of people being fed up with the Republicans as well because under their leadership, there has been not much change in the economy.
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