More Florida election shenanigans. Insufficient postage. Ballots returned.

[Dr.Phool]

The clerk says she returns "dozens of ballots each day for insufficient postage". I'd say that 3,287 ballots, out of 7,180 requested absentee ballots is a bit more than "dozens". And that doesn't even count the ones yet to be returned.

Another fiasco brought by our Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, Kurt Browning, ES&S salesman extraordinare. The same guy who says we don't need any damned paper trail on his machines.

When I got my ballot last month, I happened to notice a spot for 2 stamps on the return envelope, and the postage to mail it out was $0.53, so I affixed the same postage, not trusting these bastards. I guess a lot of other people didn't notice.

The primary is Tuesday, Sept. 5th, after a long Labor Day week-end.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/31/Pasco/13_cents_overdu...

(snip)

Pasco voters have requested 7,180 absentee ballots, and 3,287 have been returned to sender.

Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning said the responsibility for postage is on the voter.

"Absentee voting is a privilege. It's not a right," Browning said. "It's something they choose to do."

Instructions on every Pasco absentee ballot's secrecy envelope tell voters to "be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed."

The envelope also has two boxes where stamps should go.

But nothing states the exact postage required. Browning said the rate is not included because his office uses excess envelopes in future elections, and postal rates can go up.

"It's always been an issue for voters to get the right postage on the things," Browning said.

Browning said his staff probably has heard complaints this year. He has not received any, but urged voters to contact his office with any problems.

(snip)

[iamjoy]

1. This Line Scares Me...

"Absentee voting is a privilege. It's not a right," Browning said. "It's something they choose to do."

Excuse me, sir, but no type of voting is a priveilege. Yes, it's a choice over voting on Election Day, but you have no idea what went into that decision. My grandmother is almost 90 years old and in a Nursing Home. She can't walk, so going out means getting the van, etc. So now you're saying her voting is a privelege?

Pardon me, again, sir, but fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

[Dr.Phool]

2. In Hillsborough County (Tampa), the next one south.

The put what the return postage was on the envelope.

Why couldn't asshole Browning do that?