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© 2004-2008 Keith Ecklund

October 19, 2004

I have completed my mail in ballot.  My votes are cast.  Needless to say, I have voted for . . .

I would show everyone my ballot, but one of the conditions that I had to agree to is that I would not show my ballot to other people.  Yep.  Seriously.  It’s a voting condition here in Oregon.  Located just above the signature line are a series of bulleted conditions, one of them being:

  • I voted my ballot and (did not unnecessarily show it to anyone)

If you use a mail in ballot in Oregon, you have to promise not to pin it to your chest and walk around town.  You can’t fold it into a pirate hat (presidential side out) and wear it into any bar, tavern, or eating establishment.  You can’t, even in cases of high wind, allow your ballot to blow out of hand and pass in front of the eyes of neighbors or friends.  And you must not, under any circumstances, take digital photographs of your ballot and post them on your website.

Unnecessarily show it to anyone?  What in the world is that supposed to mean?

So, if John Kerry loses the election by one Oregon vote (I know, an impossibility), and I’ve flashed around my ballot, will I be able to prove in a court of law that I had necessary reasons to do so?

And do lawyers sit around inventing these things?  These rules?  Has life somehow been transformed into nothing more then a great big game of attorney solitary?

Is it possible that we will soon be voting on whether or not we might need a constitutional amendment to help define what is meant by necessary as opposed to unnecessary?

Please.  Anyone.  I need clarification.

And for God’s sake, if we’re going to keep playing games, enough with the jokers wild.  I’m sick of this game.  Let’s play something new.



Even my dear research assistant Mr. Google couldn’t help me determine the difference between necessary vs. unnecessary in this context.  I did, however, learn that the Gardenburger was “invented” in Oregon, so at least I’m covered in the “learn something” department for today.  (Thanks!) I’m curious:  does Oregon achieve a higher percentage of voters with its strictly mail-in ballot system?

Debi on 10/20/04 at 08:45 AM

Can I please, please, please have your copy of the OR voter’s guide?  I really want to keep the “Defense of Beavers” info for posterity.

(You did read your voter’s guide, right?)

on 10/20/04 at 10:53 AM

Debi: I’m hardly the person to turn to for accurate, voter information.  It was only last week that I won the Oregon’s Most Concerned But Least Informed Citizen Award.  But I’ll keep my ears open, and let you know if I hear anything.

‘Mouse: As far as my voter’s guides are concerned, I’m afraid I don’t have them anymore.  But I’ll check down at the post office this afternoon, and pick one up for you.  You’ll have to let me know from there.  Do you want the whole thing, or just an email of the exact wording.  A word of warning: I refuse to allow you to wear out my poor fingers with excessive typing.  But I would be more then happy to budget 37¢ in your favor.  I did it for the president, and I’d do it for you.  In a heartbeat.

Keith on 10/20/04 at 11:42 AM

Well, what I’d like to have and to hold in real-life hard copy is the “for” and “against” arguments for the initiatives.  After all, it’s been said that Irony is dead but I believe the guide this year provides tangible proof that she’s simply wandered off to Oregon (which some have said is similar to being dead, but then I whupped their butts for such slander.)

I’ll cheerfully provide you with a mailing address if a copy happens into your possession.

on 10/20/04 at 02:35 PM

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