More Election Problems

[PeachMonkey]

"International observers predicted problems in the U.S. presidential election with new voting machines and warned the result could again be delayed, four years after a disputed count determined who won the White House.

"The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe observers issued a report this week on preparations for the Nov. 2 vote, after a visit earlier this month.

"The group highlighted concerns over the machines, voter eligibility rules and allegations of intimidation aimed at lowering the turnout of ethnic minorities."

Full story at:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=584&e=3&u=/nm/20040929/pl_nm/campaign_observers_dc

 

[kenpo tiger]

Peach,

If I read this correctly, Bush invited the observers. Do we go to their countries to observe their elections? Why should their opinion change things? And, is this just another ploy by Bush to 'show' how much he's 'doing' to 'improve' things?

 

[PeachMonkey]

KT,

It was actually Secretary of State Colin Powell that invited this group of international observers, after pressure from members of Congress who pointed out the potential danger of election irregularities.

The United States *does* participate in election observations world-wide, including among European countries (such as Balkan nations).

Why should their opinion matter? Because they are a neutral third-party.

Given that these observers cast such a bad light on Republican tactics and election management, I don't think we can give Bush any credit for this.

 

[Phoenix44]

Hey, if THAT bothers you, here's another:

Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is attempting to block thousands of new voter registrations because of the thickness of the paper! Blackwell's office has told county boards of elections to follow strictly the Ohio election provision that requires Ohio voter registration cards to be printed on 80-pound stock paper! Get out your micrometers, folks! Obviously, if your candidate lacks substance, you have to win on a technicality (which is exactly what happened in 2000)