Michigan voters' party picks will be public record - New state rule will cut partisan mischief

[Bozita]

FEBRUARY 13, 2012 AT 1:00 AM
Michigan voters' party picks will be public record
New state rule will cut partisan mischief in Feb. 28 contest, some say
BY MARISA SCHULTZ THE DETROIT NEWS


When voters go to the polls in Michigan's primary Feb. 28, their party preference will be public for all to see.

Unlike four years ago, when voters expected some privacy, the partisan ballot they choose — Republican or Democrat — this year will be public information after the election. Also available, upon request, will be the voter's name and address, according to the Michigan Secretary of State.

The process for voters will "be much the same as four years ago with one caveat: They'll know going in their ballot preference will be made public," said Fred Woodhams, spokesman for the Secretary of State.

Unlike in other states, Michigan voters don't have to declare a party affiliation when they register. But releasing ballot preferences in this year's presidential primaries is the closest Michiganians come to publicly picking a party, and that makes some uncomfortable.

more...
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120213/POLITICS01/202130323/Michigan-voters-party-picks-will-public-record?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[Renew Deal]

1. In NY party preference is public information and ballot preference is obvious

because primaries are closed.

I can understand why Michaganders would be uncomfortable since they aren't used to it.

[LiberalFighter]

2. Voters need to understand

that primaries are not elections really intended for the public as are general elections. Primaries/caucuses are really intended for party members. But because taxpayer funds are used in the primaries the requirements are different.

If they want privacy then they should wait until the general election. Besides, when primaries are contested the voter still has privacy because it doesn't show how stupid they might be in deciding which candidate they support or which one they vote to mess it up. For all everyone knows. They voted for the preferred person.

[Purveyor]

3. Not quite sure how this is going to 'cut partisan mischief'. Presently I have my GOP absentee

primary ballot sitting right next to me.

There is no reason to declare for a DEM ballot but I will carefully vote for a GOP candidate that I think will do the most to reassure President Obama's reelection.

Mischief...you damn right. LOL

[Renew Deal]

6. I agree

If I was permitted to vote I would.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. I think the idea is that you are expected to feel ashamed at voting in the Repub primary

when all your friends know you're a Democrat. If anyone bothers to look through the Repub lists to find people they know are Democrats, that is.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

4. The problem is Schneider! He is interfering in the voting process and I don't trust him.

Still tring to figure out why on earth Michigan would elect such a disgusting man over Virg Bernero?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

5. They'll know going in their ballot preference will be made public ...

... That's not exactly true.

I had to pick a party when I got my absentee ballot. But, I didn't know my choice would be made public.

Not that it matters to me if the world knows. But this is the first time I heard of this change.

[UrbScotty]

7. It "will cut partisan mischief?" That's Detroit News/Republican spin.

Republicans are making taxpayers pay for their primary - and they specifically designed it to make sure only Republicans vote.

Democrats are holding caucuses on May 5. Still, Republicans put Obama's name on the Democratic ballot in order to justify their waste of taxpayer dollars.

[Liberal Veteran]

8. "Partisan Mischief"? Like "Operation Chaos" in 2008?

Of course, it seems rather karmic that their own primary is such a debacle after all the crap they tried to pull in 2008. At least we had an embarrassment of riches in our primary. All the republicans have this year is embarrassment.

[Dollface]

9. I think I'll go vote for Gingrich. That way I'll start getting all of the right wing propaganda.

Last edited Mon Feb 13, 2012, 06:03 PM - Edit history (1)

And just think of all of the new friends I'll make.

[Bozita]

12. Yup, voting in the GOP primary is gonna cost the GOP some big bucks on their mail tsunamis.

All those glossy mailers make excellent birdcage liners.

[Posteritatis]

11. Yeah, *that* won't lead to retaliation against voters at all. (nt)

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

13. This will invite targeted robocalls, now and forever

Our "preference" will be used by robocallers, push-pollsters, fundraisers, others who will not be named, and will be used for 2012 elections and on into the future.

So, if anyone decides to do "Republican primary mischief", think of Republicans in the future who will embrace you as brethren. BFF.

Prepare to be slimed.

[Denninmi]

14. BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!!

I'm probably going to engage in some "malicious crossover voting" in the February 28th primary here, since Pres. Obama is unopposed. I haven't quite decided which of the clowns spewing forth from the car would be the best one to vote for to try and maximize Pres. Obama's chances of re-election in the fall general. Santorum, because he in theory could get the nomination, and he's such a nutcase? Or Mittens, because the far reich fringe just hates him?

Anyway, if the idiot Republicans want to pick my name off of the voter list and waste campaign resources and time sending me mailings and calling me, so be it. Less time and money they'll have to devote to someone else who might fall for their evil message.

[Romulox]

15. What "mischief"? We have an open primary system, paid for by taxpayers.

I have an absolute right to vote in the Republican primary. The "mischief" consists of attempts to intimidate me out of exercising that right.