SATELLITE VOTING
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Satellite Voting Q & A
There is no question that the use of satellite voting for the 2008 presidential election encouraged voters to take their civic responsibilities seriously. When given the opportunity to vote early and in a manner more consistent with their busy lives, voters came out to vote in record numbers. They informed themselves about the candidates and waited in long lines, in frigid weather, for the opportunity to cast their ballots and make a difference as citizens. The satellite voting occurred with few problems in a very festive and orderly fashion. Candidates for office could talk to voters as they waited in line. In fact the experiment was so successful that Republicans and Democrats embraced the concept. Secretary of State Todd Rokita even sponsored legislation removing the requirement that satellite voting be approved unanimously by County Election Boards. Mayor Greg Ballard called satellite voting a “win for the voters and a win for Marion County” in 2008.
The time has come for permanent satellite voting
Since Democrats and Republicans alike have decried the apathy which results in successively lower election turnouts, one might wonder why satellite voting isn’t a permanent fixture on the election scene in Marion County. Marion County Republican Chair Tom John has cited concerns about ballot security for his opposition to satellite voting but those arguments have been completely discredited. So, what is really at work here? Why aren’t we making it as convenient as possible for our citizens to be good citizens? Don’t we want hard working Hoosiers to participate in the election process?
Perhaps it is because Mr. John has concluded that more Democrats than Republicans make use of satellite voting, although it is a convenient option for voters regardless of political affiliation. But many voters have lives that aren’t flexible enough to ensure they can get to the polls from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day – those with working class jobs, single mothers, and the disabled – and satellite voting is particularly convenient for them. I do not know if more of these people vote for Democrats and I do not care. I know we must encourage all citizens to participate in our democracy. To do so, we need to remove as many arbitrary barriers to that participation as possible. Foremost among them is the rigid adherence to voting from six to six on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Perhaps it is because Mr. John has concluded that more Democrats than Republicans make use of satellite voting, although it is a convenient option for voters regardless of political affiliation. But many voters have lives that aren’t flexible enough to ensure they can get to the polls from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day – those with working class jobs, single mothers, and the disabled – and satellite voting is particularly convenient for them. I do not know if more of these people vote for Democrats and I do not care. I know we must encourage all citizens to participate in our democracy. To do so, we need to remove as many arbitrary barriers to that participation as possible. Foremost among them is the rigid adherence to voting from six to six on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Mayor Ballard is the highest ranking Republican in Marion County. I am certain that he will not wish to take responsibility for his County Chair’s action to prevent satellite voting from becoming a fixture in Marion County. Mayor Ballard would not support actions to try to suppress voter turnout or making participation in the election process more difficult. Such action is not consistent with good government. It is consistent with the worst of partisan politics.
Technology has made satellite voting possible, reliable and convenient. Our hectic lifestyles have made satellite voting necessary. Mean-spirited attempts to manipulate the election system for partisan advantage have no place in the decision to permit permanent, convenient, early voting for this and every election in the future. Our citizens need satellite voting and our elected officials, including our Mayor, should demand that the County Election Board authorize it.
Indianapolis Star
Letter to the Editor by Ann DeLaney
Printed in The Indianapolis Star,
Letters to the Editor August 22, 2010
Technology has made satellite voting possible, reliable and convenient. Our hectic lifestyles have made satellite voting necessary. Mean-spirited attempts to manipulate the election system for partisan advantage have no place in the decision to permit permanent, convenient, early voting for this and every election in the future. Our citizens need satellite voting and our elected officials, including our Mayor, should demand that the County Election Board authorize it.
Indianapolis Star
Letter to the Editor by Ann DeLaney
Printed in The Indianapolis Star,
Letters to the Editor August 22, 2010
