Put All The Confusion Aside: The Most Important Thing Is To Vote
Something that should be so simple, because it is so vital, is so complicated – and a solution seems to elude all of those in control.
This issue is how we vote in the Virgin Islands. The monkey wrench is the cry for the paper ballot and the impact it is having on preparations for the September primary and November general elections.
We will try to keep it simple.
Currently, there are three ways to vote; the electronic voting machine; the absentee ballot (for those who are eligible to vote but are not on island for the election); and the provisional ballot, defined as a paper ballot to be used by those whose eligibility is in question.
Now here’s the rub. The Virgin Islands Board of Elections has determined that those who do not wish to use the electronic method will have to use the provisional ballot – which requires a separate process whose confidentiality is in question – and could deny those voters a “secret” ballot.
The Board of Elections position is that Virgin Islands law prohibits the creation of another category of ballot, hence their decision to make the provisional ballot the only paper option to those local voters who do not want to use the machines.
Those who object to this approach say that voters whose eligibility is not in question have the right to a secret paper ballot, without a separate process or paperwork, with which to cast their vote.
Beyond all this, there are apparently conflicts on this question within the Virgin Islands Code; and additionally, contradictions between the local laws and the Help America Vote Act.
It’s enough to give you a headache. But for purposes of this critical discussion, we’ll forego any more details and get to the heart of the issue.
And that is this – whatever the process, however cumbersome or contradictory, we must vote.
During today’s appearance on the Mario Moorhead show of members of the St. Croix Board of Elections and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson, many issues were raised and debated, and two factors emerged as central to this upcoming election process.
- There is a deep seated lack of trust in the credibility and fairness of the electronic voting machines that will be used in this election. With all that is at stake in this election cycle, voters want documentable assurance that the vote they cast is the vote that is counted; and that is not possible with the current electronic voting machines.
- Absent that documentable option, voters want to know why, upon verification of eligibility, they cannot simply be given an official paper ballot upon which to register their vote, seal that ballot in an envelope and place it in a ballot box for counting.
The response from the elections officials? They said they are operating in concert with the law.
Petitions have been circulated and complaints have been filed on this issue and Board Member Rupert Ross said it has been a topic of discussion among the board members and that there may be an opportunity to address it prior to the elections – but he did not receive support from the majority of the board members when he discussed it at their meeting last month.
Ultimately, it may require legislation to change the laws. But it is highly unlikely that it will change prior to this election season so we cannot get distracted and forget what the real issue is here.
We must vote.
To the 6000+ voters who have been removed from the rolls, you have until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, to register to vote in the primary. If you have never voted and want to vote in this primary election, that is your deadline as well. That’s what you should be concentrating on.
And to the rest of us let us resolve that however we are forced to vote, in whatever format, and however much time it takes, we will make allowances and we will be there.
That, in the end, is the only thing that truly matters.
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HERE IS A RECAP ANALYSIS OF OFFICIAL CRUCIANS IN FOCUS ELECTION 2010 POLLS.
ON JULY 9, 2010 CIF ASKED WHICH OF THE CANDIDATES LISTED BELOW IS A VIABLE CANDIDATE TO DEFEAT INCUMBENT GOV. JOHN P. DEJONGH, J., IN THE UPCOMING PRIMARY ELECTION?
SEN ADLAH “FONCIE” DONASTORG (73%)
FORMER LT. GOV GERALD “LUZ” JAMES (6%)
ON AUGUST 11, 2010 CIF ASKED WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR?
DEJONGH/FRANCIS (4%)
DONASTORG/BAPTISTE (81%)
JAMES/SMITH (13%)
O’BRYAN/RICHARDS (2%)
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING AND COMPELLING THAT THE POLL RESULTS OVER A ONE MONTH PERIOD HAS BEEN CONSISTENT THAT DONASTORG/BAPTISTE IS WELL ON THE WAY TO VICTORY ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2010.
THERE IS LESS THAT 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE DOORS TO THE POLLS OPEN AND TEAM DONASTORG/BAPTISTE HAS GENERATED EVEN MORE MOMENTUM DURING THE RECENT VOTERS REGISTRATION DRIVE. IT IS CLEAR THAT “CHANGE” IS SWEEPING THROUGH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND HISTORY IS ABOUT TO BE MADE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2010.
I have to admit that Donastorg’s campaign strategy is remarkable. Quality radio ads that air continuously. Admirable, but still wouldnt support him in the general election. Right now, other candidates can’t beat Donastorg’s campaign methods.
We get Bring Back the 70s, you don’t like Donastorg. And that’s fine, because for every one person that won’t vote for him two others will.
Donastorg is a proven warrior for the masses of people. He fights for all of us that are too tired, scared or unable to do it on our own. He contends for the poor, disabled, middleclass, environmentalist and disinfranchised.
The Revolution has begun. Thank you to all the front liners: Donastorg/Baptiste, Mario Moorehead, Bert Bryan, Recon, Jeffrey Moorehead, Michael Springer, Nelly O’reilly, Usie, Nelson, Gene Forde, demmansay.com, Mr. P, Jamillah, Stephenie Scott Williams and every Virgin Islander that is ready and willing to fight and save the USVI.
I agree with Vegan. The right to vote and to feel that the vote is secure is the cornerstone of democracy. Regardless of whom you support you have the right to feel that your candidate got a fair shake. I know Vegan, and you guys have no idea.
Donastorg is gaining momentum
True, but who wants to go through all that trouble to vote more than one time. Give it a rest please. Moving right along to something more important. September 11th is the big day. Jimmy, can’t wait to see the support for your campaign.
Just filed a complaint regarding the illegality of our voting system buy accessing a link on vivote.org regarding no 3rd party certifier for the machines and no paper audit trail. Please join for es with me everyone
~**Foncie Donastorg and Sam Baptiste**~
Vegan, can you post the link to the complaint. I too am concerned with the de Jongh Administration cheating the primary and then eventually the general election.
It is well known throughout the community that the Chairman of the Board of Election, Lorna T, could be having an affair with de Jongh.
Too many conflicts of interest within the Board of Election in the St Croix and St Thomas/St John Districts for me to feel comfortable that my vote will appropriately count.
Go to vivote.org and click the top link at the side and ask the Feds to forthe VI to follow the law
I would like to see some group organize an exit poll that allowes voters to create their own paper receipt (on the primary gubernatorial election only) that they could drop into a secure box to be counted on election day. If it is well organized, properly advertized, and conducted in both districts, there would be a reliable result to compare with the machine results.
Drawbacks are that there are over 14 voting places in each district. A lot of people would have to be involved.
Are we capable of organizing something like this? I’d like some feedback.
Maybe for next election. Undoubtedly something like that would have to be coordinated with the Board of Elections. I can’t imagine them approving and co-organizing something like that at this “late” minute. But it is a good idea.
Let the children count the ballots. They have the most to loose.
~**Donastorg/Baptiste For the People By the People!!**~