(no subject)

[raincitygirl]

Regarding our neighbours to the south, I read an interesting article to which giandujakiss had linked, Wisconsin is Systematically Failing to Provide the Photo IDs Required to Vote in November. Not a catchy title, but interesting article.

At some point is the USA going to take voter registration and related issues away from the control of partisan politicians of either party and give it to an arms-length politically neutral organization similar to Elections Canada? And if not, why not? I don't pretend Canadian politics is devoid of dirty tricks, or that having an allegedly non-partisan authority running elections is a panacea, but we certainly don't seem to have as MUCH electoral skulduggery as they have in the States.

Comments

[jesuswasbatman]

Oh God, a few weeks ago the Tories over here published a report on incidents of alleged electoral fraud here in Britain (mainly involving abuse of the postal/proxy vote system, with people being tricked/intimidated into applying for postal or proxy votes) and immediately used it as an excuse for US Republican-style fearmongering about voter impersonation (which simply isn't efficient enough to be a worthwile method of electoral fraud) and calls for the introduction of ID requirements that make it harder and more intimidating for poor people to vote.

[marymac]

We already have ID requirements for NI, due to the historical issue with dead people voting, but that was carefully and deliberately legislated to allow for free electoral ID cards for anyone who does not have photo ID. And they hold the same status as driving licences as proof of age/identity.

I don't know if you could roll it out effectively in bigger populations though.

[raincitygirl]

There is a problem in Northern Ireland with the DEAD voting?????? Those must be some very civic-minded corpses!!! When I'm dead, I won't bother to vote.

[marymac]

You would be amazed. And a few people voting in three places under different names, too.

[raincitygirl]

Sounds typical.

[lyssie]

I want to be surprised that Wisconsin is fucking over black people, but I'm honestly not. I'm mostly just continuing to be angry that republicans keep getting into positions of power.

[raincitygirl]

It sucks, that's for sure.