We need to change the system: too few polling places open

[E_Zapata]

Does anyone have any direct connection to Moveon.org? If so, will you please consider asking them to take up the following issue?

1. The State of Calif closed approximately 70% of the polling stations for this recall election.

2. The basis for that was to cut costs and because they operate under the assumption that all single issue or off calendar elections (as in not a primary or general election) do not attract the percentage of voters that economically justifies opening all of the polling stations.

3. Yesterday, it was estimated that between 70-90% of all eligible voters would vote in this recall election. (Merely 60% of eligible voters showed up for the last general election, if that tells anyone anything).

4. Today I saw a headline that suggested that over 10 million people will be voting.

5. 2 million absentee ballots were cast. So, approx 8 million people are voting (or trying to!) within only 30% capacity.

This is a subversion of democracy and a travesty. The government is required to make voting accessible and attractive to the voter, ie, encouraging everyone to vote rather than what we have witnessed in this election where the govt has created so many obstacles and diversions that to call it a "free election in a democratic system" is ludicrous.

SOLUTION: A bill should be passed in Calif (or the US congress?) that insists that no matter the election issue or the timing of the election or whatever might be on the ballot, the state should be required to maintain the exact same accessibility standards for all elections. I mean, for god's sakes, this is the precise 'rationalization' under HAVA: accessibility.

And if an issue or an elected seat is so unimportant that 70% accessibility is unnecessary based on shear cost, then the friggin issue or elected seat can wait until the next big election. If it's so important, then they can open the polling stations to all people.

[greenwow]

1. Sigh

> The State of Calif closed approximately 70% of the polling stations for this recall election.

Someone should go to jail over that!

Here in GA, the election locations are a complete joke. Typically they're only in rich areas and far away from most people. I'm required to vote somewhere that's a 40 minute round-trip plus the usual two to three hour wait to vote. I haven't been able to vote in years since I can't take half a day or more off of work. Damn repugs.

[ComerPerro]

2. Thats bullshit

Both your point and the California thing.

It would be interesting to know what polling locations were closed, and what kind of economic areas they were located near.

And that info about Georgia...
I didn't know that. But its disgusting.