Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_dux
ace....do you think existing laws deal appropriately with the type robocalls (or targeted mailings particularly to minorities) that sabrina described.....if you are delinquent in your child support (or have an outstanding parking ticket), you will be arrested when you go to vote.
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In North Carolina Elizabeth Dole (R), incumbent, ran an ad against her opponent Kay Hagen (D) associating Hagen with an atheist group implying that Hagen was godless. Dole lost, many believe because of the ad, even many Republicans including religious leaders denounced the ad. Hagen also filed a defamation lawsuit, which she later withdrew. Even in my opinion Dole stepped over the line with the ad, I generally want to know why I should vote for a candidate rather than wanting to know why I should vote against someone. The electorate saw the ad for what it was, a last desperate attempt to win and any cost. Dole may have lost anyway, but the ad clearly cost her votes.
So, first I don't underestimate the electorate. And, second I think other means are currently available to address deceptive campaign materials.
On the issue of "you will be arrested" and other urban myths targeted toward minorities, I have not seen any evidence that supports that minorities don't vote because of those rumors. Secondly, how do you prove them and find the original source? Those rumors won't come formally from any campaign.
-----Added 20/11/2008 at 06 : 02 : 34-----
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_dux
ace....on the issue of registration, do you think a citizen should be denied a vote (or required to file a provisional ballot) because someone in the county voter registrars office mistyped the voter registration form when submitted and it doesnt match exactly an ID presented at the polls?
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I think this is a state level issue. If state law is discriminatory or in violation voting rights law I think there a mechanisms to address those problems. I agree that our system is not perfect, but I can not support legislation that in my view would create bigger problems.