[Mt-blind] Mt-blind Digest, Vol 8, Issue 2
Edward C Robbins
robbinsec at juno.com
Fri Feb 16 12:58:10 CST 2007
Dan,
You can put my name to any comments you may have heard from me.
It had been 28 years since I was able to vote independently,
until this last general election. . It would be a shame to lose that
privlidge and ability again.
Sincerely,
Ted Robbins
On Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:10:45 -0700 "Dan Burke" <burke.dall at gmail.com>
writes:
> Hi guys,
>
> Some followup on mail ballot measures in the Legislature. First,
> the
> bill that Carl noticed a couple of weeks ago, SB358, is dead. A
> second bill is in the draft stage, however, LC 1503. It may only
> come
> out as a bill calling for an interim study of mail balloting.
>
> I have drafted a letter for that bill's sponsor, Diane Sands of
> Missoula. The purpose is to bring the issue of independent,
> nonvisual
> access to voting to her attention before any bill gets out of
> committee. There seems to be a lack of understanding that blind
> people or people with disabilities in general have any stake in
> this
> question, according to the folks at the Montana Advocacy Program
> who
> are tracking this stuff.
>
> What the membership might decide about mail balloting ultimately
> will
> be decided, if at all, at a future convention. For now, the only
> thing we have to go by as an organization is our earlier resolution
> calling for nonvisual, independent voting for the blind.
>
> What I would like to ask of you who responded to that discussion --
> and anyone else who cares to comment now -- is whether I could
> quote
> from your comments, and include your names and town where you live.
> the purpose is to let people know we're out here, and we care about
> this, which ever way it goes.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dan
>
>
> On 2/3/07, Edward C Robbins <robbinsec at juno.com> wrote:
> > Greetings,
> > I too would not like to see the strides we have
> accomplished by
> > getting the voting machines. For the first time in over 28 years,
> I was
> > finally able to vote in secret without assistance.
> > Ted Robbins
> >
> > On Sat, 3 Feb 2007 15:59:05 -0700 "Al Tompkins"
> > <tompkinsplace at earthlink.net> writes:
> > > Dan:
> > > Voting in the last election was an exciting experience and I
> would
> > > hate to
> > > give it up. If mail ballots are approved I hope that they leave
> the
> > > option
> > > of voting by machine at least at the Clerk and Recorder
> offices.
> > > Myrle
> > >
> > >
> > > > [Original Message]
> > > > From: <mt-blind-request at nfbnet.org>
> > > > To: <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Date: 2/1/2007 8:30:48 PM
> > > > Subject: Mt-blind Digest, Vol 8, Issue 2
> > > >
> > > > Send Mt-blind mailing list submissions to
> > > > mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > >
> > > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > > > mt-blind-request at nfbnet.org
> > > >
> > > > You can reach the person managing the list at
> > > > mt-blind-owner at nfbnet.org
> > > >
> > > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more
> > > specific
> > > > than "Re: Contents of Mt-blind digest..."
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Today's Topics:
> > > >
> > > > 1. Re: sb358 (Daniel Burke)
> > > > 2. Re: sb358 (Jim Marks)
> > > > 3. Re: sb358 (dmgina)
> > > > 4. Re: sb358 (James Aldrich)
> > > > 5. Re: sb358 (Rik James)
> > > > 6. SB 358 (Jerry Hutch)
> > > > 7. Re: SB 358 (dmgina)
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 1
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 11:23:10 -0700
> > > > From: "Daniel Burke" <burke.dall at gmail.com>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > > To: "'Montana Association for the Blind List'"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <01e001c7462e$0872a700$6501a8c0 at upstairs>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1250"
> > > >
> > > > Carl,
> > > >
> > > > The MAB's policies are determined by the membership during
> > > conventions in
> > > > the form of resolutions. The MAB's only policy on voting,
> > > therefore, is
> > > for
> > > > nonvisual access in voting. I don't think we specified what
> kind
> > > of
> > > voting
> > > > system or procedure, but that electronic voting systems give
> us
> > > independence
> > > > in voting, privacy and we need to be able to verify our own
> votes
> > > in that
> > > > system.
> > > >
> > > > Jerry's points are excellent ones, but they have no bearing
> on
> > > blindness
> > > or
> > > > the MAB, nor do they reflect the policy laid out in our
> > > resolutions. My
> > > > first inclination is for the MAB to remain neutral on this
> issue.
> > >
> > > However,
> > > > as I think about the comments Joy and Dar bring up I wonder if
> we
> > > might
> > > not
> > > > have a stand on this -- as opposed to the idea. But I will
> think
> > > on that
> > > > some more. And I would be curious to hear from more members
> and
> > > from the
> > > > Board.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks guys -- and thanks for bringing this to our attention
> Carl!
> > > It's
> > > > good to have you at the Capitol tracking these kinds of
> things.
> > > >
> > > > Dan
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: mt-blind-bounces at nfbnet.org
> > > [mailto:mt-blind-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > > > Behalf Of dmgina
> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 9:04 PM
> > > > To: Breslauers; Montana Association for the Blind List
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > > Joy,
> > > > I have to agree with you here.
> > > > We have worked so hard to get the machines so we can vote.
> > > > I sure wouldn't want to loose what we worked for.
> > > > I thought the voting went quite well.
> > > >
> > > > --Dar
> > > > wishing a
> > > > backTpack
> > > > call me at
> > > > 406-259-1124
> > > > Every Saint has a past,
> > > > Every sinner has a future ,
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Breslauers" <bjb5757 at bresnan.net>
> > > > To: "mab" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 8:04 PM
> > > > Subject: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >I wouldn't trust something as important as my vote to the
> mail
> > > system.
> > > > > Besides, I'd have to have someone else fill out the ballot
> and
> > > there
> > > would
> > > > > go my privacy. I would prefer to use a voting machine,
> either
> > > on
> > > election
> > > > > day or by voting absentee. You can vote absentee before
> the
> > > deadline at
> > > > > your convenience.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joy
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.17/661 - Release
> > > Date:
> > > 1/30/2007
> > > >
> > > > > 11:30 PM
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.1.411 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release
> Date:
> > > 2/1/2007
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > No virus found in this outgoing message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.1.411 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release
> Date:
> > > 2/1/2007
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 2
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 14:43:44 -0700
> > > > From: "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > > To: Breslauers <bjb5757 at bresnan.net>, "Montana
> Association
> > > for the
> > > > Blind List" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID:
> > > >
> > >
> <eb22d8830702011343off381adl94d0857cffbc767 at mail.gmail.com>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> > > >
> > > > I agree with Joy. A mail ballot would create some
> accountability
> > > > problems. Something as important as voting should be done
> the
> > > right
> > > > way, which means either going to the polls or voting
> absentee.
> > > Mail
> > > > ballots may be more convenient, but what our state needs is
> more
> > > > pro-active participation, not convenience. Our existing
> system
> > > > excludes no one, even those who are house-bound. Who are the
> > > main
> > > > people behind the mail ballot? What do they hope to achieve?
> > > >
> > > > One last thing to mention is that the MAB elects its board
> > > members
> > > > through a mail ballot. I've never like this system because
> it
> > > gives
> > > > the power to those who never show up to conventions or
> chapter
> > > > meetings. Our mail ballot also never gives members a chance
> to
> > > get to
> > > > know who the candidates are. A better system would be for
> votes
> > > to
> > > > occur at convention. Candidates could speak there and be
> > > interviewed
> > > > by the members. Then we could vote on how our leaders would
> be.
> > > I
> > > > realize this would exclude those who could not attend
> conventions,
> > > but
> > > > this problem is less of a factor than the denial of choice to
> > > those
> > > > who do show up. We ought to reward those who show up, not
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not even when the reasons for not showing are valid. For
> > > example,
> > > > I've heard many a potential member say they do not want to
> join
> > > the
> > > > MAB because our election process does not empower active
> members
> > > and
> > > > because the mail ballot is passive. People want to know that
> > > their
> > > > participation is valued, and the mail ballot actually values
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not participate over those who do. Besides that, voting
> at
> > > > convention would be easier to administer, less expensive, and
> far
> > > more
> > > > fun than mail ballots. We could celebrate the election
> process
> > > rather
> > > > than waiting on the unpredictable mail ballot turnout.
> > > >
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On 1/31/07, Breslauers <bjb5757 at bresnan.net> wrote:
> > > > > I wouldn't trust something as important as my vote to the
> mail
> > > system.
> > > > > Besides, I'd have to have someone else fill out the ballot
> and
> > > there
> > > would
> > > > > go my privacy. I would prefer to use a voting machine,
> either
> > > on
> > > election
> > > > > day or by voting absentee. You can vote absentee before
> the
> > > deadline at
> > > > > your convenience.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joy
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 3
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 15:03:04 -0700
> > > > From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > > To: "Montana Association for the Blind List"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <01f401c7464c$bfbb2400$642da8c0 at DMGina>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="iso-8859-1";
> > > > reply-type=original
> > > >
> > > > This is Dar,
> > > > How can we change the process, so voting would just be done
> by
> > > members at
> > > > convention?
> > > > Also if folks don't have a way to get to convention, is there
> any
> > > way
> > > that
> > > > they could get assistance?
> > > > As happens with national?
> > > > If they asked in their chapters to go to convention at a set
> > > time?
> > > > So it could be voted on by the board?
> > > > I know what I am thinking,
> > > > but can't find the correct words to use?
> > > > I hope you understand what I am trying to ask?
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --Dar
> > > > wishing a
> > > > backTpack
> > > > call me at
> > > > 406-259-1124
> > > > Every Saint has a past,
> > > > Every sinner has a future ,
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
> > > > To: "Breslauers" <bjb5757 at bresnan.net>; "Montana Association
> for
> > > the
> > > Blind
> > > > List" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 2:43 PM
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >I agree with Joy. A mail ballot would create some
> > > accountability
> > > > > problems. Something as important as voting should be done
> the
> > > right
> > > > > way, which means either going to the polls or voting
> absentee.
> > > Mail
> > > > > ballots may be more convenient, but what our state needs is
> > > more
> > > > > pro-active participation, not convenience. Our existing
> system
> > > > > excludes no one, even those who are house-bound. Who are
> the
> > > main
> > > > > people behind the mail ballot? What do they hope to
> achieve?
> > > > >
> > > > > One last thing to mention is that the MAB elects its board
> > > members
> > > > > through a mail ballot. I've never like this system because
> it
> > > gives
> > > > > the power to those who never show up to conventions or
> chapter
> > > > > meetings. Our mail ballot also never gives members a chance
> to
> > > get to
> > > > > know who the candidates are. A better system would be for
> votes
> > > to
> > > > > occur at convention. Candidates could speak there and be
> > > interviewed
> > > > > by the members. Then we could vote on how our leaders would
> be.
> > > I
> > > > > realize this would exclude those who could not attend
> > > conventions, but
> > > > > this problem is less of a factor than the denial of choice
> to
> > > those
> > > > > who do show up. We ought to reward those who show up, not
> those
> > > who
> > > > > do not even when the reasons for not showing are valid.
> For
> > > example,
> > > > > I've heard many a potential member say they do not want to
> join
> > > the
> > > > > MAB because our election process does not empower active
> members
> > > and
> > > > > because the mail ballot is passive. People want to know
> that
> > > their
> > > > > participation is valued, and the mail ballot actually
> values
> > > those who
> > > > > do not participate over those who do. Besides that, voting
> at
> > > > > convention would be easier to administer, less expensive,
> and
> > > far more
> > > > > fun than mail ballots. We could celebrate the election
> process
> > > rather
> > > > > than waiting on the unpredictable mail ballot turnout.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jim Marks
> > > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > On 1/31/07, Breslauers <bjb5757 at bresnan.net> wrote:
> > > > >> I wouldn't trust something as important as my vote to the
> mail
> > > system.
> > > > >> Besides, I'd have to have someone else fill out the ballot
> and
> > > there
> > > > >> would
> > > > >> go my privacy. I would prefer to use a voting machine,
> either
> > > on
> > > > >> election
> > > > >> day or by voting absentee. You can vote absentee before
> the
> > > deadline
> > > at
> > > > >> your convenience.
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Joy
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> _______________________________________________
> > > > >> Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > >> Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >>
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Jim Marks
> > > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.17/661 - Release
> > > Date:
> > > 1/30/2007
> > > > > 11:30 PM
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 4
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 16:08:20 -0700
> > > > From: "James Aldrich" <jkaldrich at qwest.net>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > > To: "Montana Association for the Blind List"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <006901c74655$ddb157a0$6a2da8c0 at aldrich1bf20d9>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> > > >
> > > > I certainly second this notion. Of course, we would need to
> > > determine
> > > > whether districts should be retained or done away with in
> favor
> > > of
> > > getting
> > > > the best possible candidates for office no matter where they'd
> be
> > > from.
> > > I
> > > > guess the question is how can this change be implemented!
> > > >
> > > > Jim Aldrich
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
> > > > To: "Breslauers" <bjb5757 at bresnan.net>; "Montana Association
> for
> > > the
> > > Blind
> > > > List" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 2:43 PM
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I agree with Joy. A mail ballot would create some
> accountability
> > > > problems. Something as important as voting should be done
> the
> > > right
> > > > way, which means either going to the polls or voting
> absentee.
> > > Mail
> > > > ballots may be more convenient, but what our state needs is
> more
> > > > pro-active participation, not convenience. Our existing
> system
> > > > excludes no one, even those who are house-bound. Who are the
> > > main
> > > > people behind the mail ballot? What do they hope to achieve?
> > > >
> > > > One last thing to mention is that the MAB elects its board
> > > members
> > > > through a mail ballot. I've never like this system because
> it
> > > gives
> > > > the power to those who never show up to conventions or
> chapter
> > > > meetings. Our mail ballot also never gives members a chance
> to
> > > get to
> > > > know who the candidates are. A better system would be for
> votes
> > > to
> > > > occur at convention. Candidates could speak there and be
> > > interviewed
> > > > by the members. Then we could vote on how our leaders would
> be.
> > > I
> > > > realize this would exclude those who could not attend
> conventions,
> > > but
> > > > this problem is less of a factor than the denial of choice to
> > > those
> > > > who do show up. We ought to reward those who show up, not
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not even when the reasons for not showing are valid. For
> > > example,
> > > > I've heard many a potential member say they do not want to
> join
> > > the
> > > > MAB because our election process does not empower active
> members
> > > and
> > > > because the mail ballot is passive. People want to know that
> > > their
> > > > participation is valued, and the mail ballot actually values
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not participate over those who do. Besides that, voting
> at
> > > > convention would be easier to administer, less expensive, and
> far
> > > more
> > > > fun than mail ballots. We could celebrate the election
> process
> > > rather
> > > > than waiting on the unpredictable mail ballot turnout.
> > > >
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On 1/31/07, Breslauers <bjb5757 at bresnan.net> wrote:
> > > > > I wouldn't trust something as important as my vote to the
> mail
> > > system.
> > > > > Besides, I'd have to have someone else fill out the ballot
> and
> > > there
> > > would
> > > > > go my privacy. I would prefer to use a voting machine,
> either
> > > on
> > > election
> > > > > day or by voting absentee. You can vote absentee before
> the
> > > deadline at
> > > > > your convenience.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joy
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release
> Date:
> > > 2/1/2007
> > > > 2:28 PM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 5
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 17:08:26 -0700
> > > > From: "Rik James" <d28rik at msn.com>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > > To: "'Montana Association for the Blind List'"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <BAY132-DAV11BD54E263E0D2B70771FFDB9B0 at phx.gbl>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> > > >
> > > > Thanks, Jim, for drawing the parallels about mail balloting.
> > > > I think it would take an act of the state legislature to
> override
> > > the
> > > > multitude of arguments from the ain't broke don't fix it, and
> > > besides what
> > > > about the folks too old and poor to go to convention so why
> can't
> > > they
> > > vote
> > > > defense. Attempts there have been to revise the MAB's
> constitution
> > > to
> > > change
> > > > the election process.
> > > >
> > > > But hey, I think it would mean more than the SB 358 would.
> > > > On the proposal, I really have to read it before I form any
> > > opinion. And
> > > so
> > > > far I have not. Has anyone? Likely as not I would not support
> it
> > > for
> > > > reasons already stated by others.
> > > >
> > > > Have a happy day everyone. And stay out of the wind!! They
> don't
> > > call it
> > > > wind chill for nothing. I just got in from my hour walk,
> Drifted
> > > over
> > > > sidewalks, and breezes that like to creep right through my
> good
> > > wool get
> > > up.
> > > > My cane plum froze to my mitten. Maybe I shoulda not put my
> hand
> > > in the
> > > > minner net when I was fishing. (smile.) No. I was not
> fishing.
> > > Just
> > > > hunting snow snakes.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Rik
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: mt-blind-bounces at nfbnet.org
> > > [mailto:mt-blind-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > > > Behalf Of James Aldrich
> > > > Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 4:08 PM
> > > > To: Montana Association for the Blind List
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > > I certainly second this notion. Of course, we would need to
> > > determine
> > > > whether districts should be retained or done away with in
> favor
> > > of
> > > getting
> > > > the best possible candidates for office no matter where they'd
> be
> > > from.
> > > I
> > > > guess the question is how can this change be implemented!
> > > >
> > > > Jim Aldrich
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
> > > > To: "Breslauers" <bjb5757 at bresnan.net>; "Montana Association
> for
> > > the
> > > Blind
> > > > List" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 2:43 PM
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] sb358
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I agree with Joy. A mail ballot would create some
> accountability
> > > > problems. Something as important as voting should be done
> the
> > > right
> > > > way, which means either going to the polls or voting
> absentee.
> > > Mail
> > > > ballots may be more convenient, but what our state needs is
> more
> > > > pro-active participation, not convenience. Our existing
> system
> > > > excludes no one, even those who are house-bound. Who are the
> > > main
> > > > people behind the mail ballot? What do they hope to achieve?
> > > >
> > > > One last thing to mention is that the MAB elects its board
> > > members
> > > > through a mail ballot. I've never like this system because
> it
> > > gives
> > > > the power to those who never show up to conventions or
> chapter
> > > > meetings. Our mail ballot also never gives members a chance
> to
> > > get to
> > > > know who the candidates are. A better system would be for
> votes
> > > to
> > > > occur at convention. Candidates could speak there and be
> > > interviewed
> > > > by the members. Then we could vote on how our leaders would
> be.
> > > I
> > > > realize this would exclude those who could not attend
> conventions,
> > > but
> > > > this problem is less of a factor than the denial of choice to
> > > those
> > > > who do show up. We ought to reward those who show up, not
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not even when the reasons for not showing are valid. For
> > > example,
> > > > I've heard many a potential member say they do not want to
> join
> > > the
> > > > MAB because our election process does not empower active
> members
> > > and
> > > > because the mail ballot is passive. People want to know that
> > > their
> > > > participation is valued, and the mail ballot actually values
> those
> > > who
> > > > do not participate over those who do. Besides that, voting
> at
> > > > convention would be easier to administer, less expensive, and
> far
> > > more
> > > > fun than mail ballots. We could celebrate the election
> process
> > > rather
> > > > than waiting on the unpredictable mail ballot turnout.
> > > >
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On 1/31/07, Breslauers <bjb5757 at bresnan.net> wrote:
> > > > > I wouldn't trust something as important as my vote to the
> mail
> > > system.
> > > > > Besides, I'd have to have someone else fill out the ballot
> and
> > > there
> > > would
> > > > > go my privacy. I would prefer to use a voting machine,
> either
> > > on
> > > election
> > > > > day or by voting absentee. You can vote absentee before
> the
> > > deadline at
> > > > > your convenience.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joy
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Jim Marks
> > > > blind.grizzly at gmail.com
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release
> Date:
> > > 2/1/2007
> > > > 2:28 PM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 6
> > > > Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:19:12 -0700
> > > > From: Jerry Hutch <modrepro at mt.net>
> > > > Subject: [Mt-blind] SB 358
> > > > To: Montana Association for the Blind List
> <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <45C2ADB0.3070208 at mt.net>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-15"
> > > >
> > > > Information from the State of Oregon on the Vote by Mail
> process
> > > and
> > > > public acceptance of that method of voting. Look at the 5
> year
> > > study of
> > > > the process. Follow the links.
> > > >
> > > > Jerry
> > > >
> > > > http://www.sos.state.or.us/executive/votebymail.htm
> > > > -------------- next part --------------
> > > > Information from the State of Oregon on the Vote by Mail
> process
> > > and
> > > public acceptance of that method of voting.? Look at the 5 year
> > > study of
> > > the process.? Follow the links.
> > > > Jerry
> > > > http://www.sos.state.or.us/executive/votebymail.htm
> > > http://www.sos.state.or.us/executive/votebymail.htm
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Message: 7
> > > > Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 20:30:21 -0700
> > > > From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Mt-blind] SB 358
> > > > To: "Montana Association for the Blind List"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Message-ID: <05cc01c7467a$7846d190$642da8c0 at DMGina>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="ISO-8859-15";
> > > > reply-type=original
> > > >
> > > > Hi there,
> > > > No matter what any other state does, it is ok to change
> something
> > > that
> > > has
> > > > happened for years.
> > > > We as totals would love to have freedom.
> > > > We don't get it, when everything has to be done by print,
> > > > and we have to get someone to write it out for us.
> > > > I feel more totally blind persons would join our chapters if
> they
> > > knew
> > > they
> > > > could vote on anything privately.
> > > > The more we can use the machines, the better the machine will
> > > become.
> > > > This is a dream I have had for years.
> > > > to be able to vote on anything privately.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > --Dar
> > > > wishing a
> > > > backTpack
> > > > call me at
> > > > 406-259-1124
> > > > Every Saint has a past,
> > > > Every sinner has a future ,
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Jerry Hutch" <modrepro at mt.net>
> > > > To: "Montana Association for the Blind List"
> > > <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
> > > > Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 8:19 PM
> > > > Subject: [Mt-blind] SB 358
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Information from the State of Oregon on the Vote by Mail
> process
> > > and
> > > > > public acceptance of that method of voting. Look at the 5
> year
> > > study of
> > > > > the process. Follow the links.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jerry
> > > > >
> > > > > http://www.sos.state.or.us/executive/votebymail.htm
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ---
> > > ----
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ---
> > > ----
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.17/661 - Release
> Date:
> > > 1/30/2007
> > > > 11:30 PM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > End of Mt-blind Digest, Vol 8, Issue 2
> > > > **************************************
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Mt-blind mailing list
> > > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> > >
> > >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mt-blind mailing list
> > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Mt-blind mailing list
> Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
>
>
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