John Edwards comments on EAC Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

[Amaryllis]

In case you haven't seen this, John Edwards has an interesting
blog on election issues and comments on the EAC recommendations at:
www.oneamericacommittee.com. To access his statement click on the
"One America Blog" in the left hand column. The link on his actual statement does not work.

Comments by Senator Edwards on the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

on Saturday October 01, @10:27AM

September 30, 2005

As we all know, the 2004 election was marred by widespread voting problems – long lines, miscast ballots, votes that people weren’t sure were cast properly by new machines they’d never used before.

Many of the worst problems happened in Ohio. After the election, 28 percent of voters there reported problems with their voting experience. These problems were ones that shouldn’t exist in America, like intimidation and not being able to find your polling site. The racial disparities within these problems are especially alarming: in Ohio, African American voters were twice as likely as white voters to experience problems.

The result of these problems is a dramatic blow to our faith in our democratic system: in Ohio in 2004, only 19 percent of African Americans were confident that their vote was counted correctly. That’s not the way it should be in America.

So, while I commend the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for taking another look at problems in our voting system, I’m concerned that these guidelines – just like those issued in 1990 and 2002 – do not go far enough. (more)

More-www.oneamericacommittee.com. To access his statement click on the
"One America Blog" in the left hand column. The link on his actual statement does not work.

[Melodybe]

1. YAY! John Edwards takes voting seriously!

He and Dean were the only ones in 2004 to address Diebold and ES&S.

I cannot wait until he is on the Daily Show tomorrow.

BTW Edwards is also a democrat I could happily support in 2008.

Kicked and nominated and I suggest everyone else do the same.

[Melodybe]

2. kick what the hell is the matter with people?!?

Read the article and rate this up

[Melodybe]

3. I'm reposting this in GD so that it will get some attention

thanks for posting it.

[Amaryllis]

7. Is GD a better place to post stuff on elections?

[mod mom]

4. While I think John Edwards is a good man, I am disappointed by his

response after the '04 election in Ohio. K/E made it a strong point that they would make sure every vote would count. I believe they lost credibility within the African American community by their initial lack of response. I do think the Democratic party will pay for this response in the future. It will be harder to get this population to the polls in the future, especially after this response. 2000 was shameful, 2004 was unforgiveable. This is the reason I resigned from activity within the Ohio Democratic Party and why I see myself as a Progressive first and Dem second. No more straight party ticket for me.

I admire Edwards stance on poverty in America. It has been an important issue with him from the beginning. It just troubles me that now-11 months after the election-that election reform is the topic. It would have made a hell of a lot more difference last November when people like me were begging for his involvement.

[Melodybe]

5. You can blame that on Kerry cause Edwards wanted to fight it.

[Melodybe]

6. kick