When I was in Oregon last week, the news made it inevitable that the discussion would eventually turn to politics and the election. I was surprised to find that all voting in Oregon is handled much like the California absentee ballots. Yup, voting in Oregon is “vote-by-mail”. There’s a web site with some of the details, if you’re curious.
What an excellent idea! No more lines at the polling places, no more dodgy electronic voting machines. Sip your coffee, research the endless list of ballot measures, connect the arrows with your black or blue pen and mail it off. How… civilized!
I tend to be skeptical about effecting any meaningful change in a massive bureaucracy like the state of California, but I suppose I should at least try. Hmm, time to research where to send my letter.
Update: Says the California Election Code, “The Secretary of State is the chief elections officer of the state, and has the powers and duties specified in Section 12172.5 of the Government Code.” Okay, now I know where to start.
It’s fantastic!
Not to sound lazy or anything, but it certainly ups the chance that I will vote, especially on less significant issues… like the presidency. (hah!)
I highly recommend it.. get on your soap box and convince the masses!
(P.S. I’m bummed missed you last week… we’ll have to coordinate better for your next trip up.)