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.
Donastorg selected a dontdatehim.com victim in Samuel Baptiste for Lt. Governor. That is grounds for automatic disqualifcation as a serious candidate for the #1 office in the land.
To: Just Thinking, you brought up a good point there and Sam was walking along the edge of a cliff and almost fell down into the abyss. He did play that about as well as he could under the circumstances. His only other option was to cut his nose off in spite of his face. it was indeed a tough call and he made it though the mine field.
In VI Talk Radio I have heard very extreme examples of using the media to protect your own backside. In fact I wrote a somewhat satirical piece in the Avis about an incident where a St. Thomas radio personality had a confrontation with a police commissioner He then launched a daily crusade on his popular morning show. The piece was entitled “Stop Bullfighting in Tutu.” Let me just leave it there. OK?
Recon needs to stay OFF the radio. We have documents and tape recordings to support ALL of his LIES.
Recon needs to keep his behind off the radio.
Dejongh folks Donastorg will defeat John. Such is life MOVE om.
Let me get this thing straight.
You have documents to support ALL of Recon lies.
Fool, you meant to say disprove.
**~Recon Keeps the Radio on FIRE with the truth. Keep up the GREAT work Recon. Were counting on you!!~**
Thank GoD For someone like Recon!!!!!
Ricon is the man
Who is taking over for Jimmy in the Morning?
…Roll with Recon, roll roll with Recon, roll…
Help America vote is federal law and it requires a permanent printed vote confirmation for recount and certification. The
machines we have here are illegal. Someone please call the Feds at doj.org
Vegan: you yourself may contact DOIOIG @ 202-208-5512. It’s likely that it’s too late to get an adequate response. But, my question is: this issue comes up every election so why hasn’t it been dealt with? Why do we wait so long to get things in order?
Someone needs to take this on as a task, and then hang on to it until a lawful resolution has been actuated.
Herb S. is saying when you go after the great false dieties you get attacked and taken out. At least we can agree on that. It can seem that Sam Topp can be overbearing and cannot face challenges without losing his composure but he has some good points he doesn’t entertain gossip and personal attacks without proof or facts. My observation is that Recon comes with facts he presents documents.
I hope everybody has the opportunity to register to vote. Like the commercial for the VI Board of Elections, every vote DOES count. Just ask Jimmy.
Don’t vote for Mapp he ain’t no crucian.
Krista let’s gettogether and file a lawsuit in court with Raymond Williams as the main defendant asking for the right to paper ballots until the machines provide
1. An auditable paper trail as required by federal law
2. That machines be certified by an independent licensed 3rd party
Krista maybe I can’t file the suit to keep us compliant with the federal voting act because I have a sensitive position in the government or maybe even the court itself.
PS this Mapp supporter would rather be cooked alive than vote for deJongh in the primary. Even if it means that voting for my third choice Donastorg meant Mapp’s defeat. Fellow Mapp supporters how would you feel to know that by strategizing for Mapp you caused the regime if terror and thievery to continue you actually caused deJongh to get reelected? And Donastorg voter, could you stomach voting for deJongh if Foncie didn’t make it through the primary?you would be assuring Foncie’s incarceration.
A lot of talk and no action happens on this site.
@Luz Supporter…..We know that you’re really a Donastorg blogger.
So why does Luz Supporter have to be a Donastorg blogger? He couldn’t be a de Jongh, O’bryan or Luz blogger? You are always trying to involve Donastorg in what doesn’t concern him. I would suggest you all worry about your own campaigns because Donastorg is focused on his.
@Who to Vote for?
You took the words right out of MY mouth.
Meeting tonight @ Donastorg/Baptiste head quarters in 4 winds. Everyones welcomed to join our family and friends. Starts at 7pm.