ASS U ME

[frogbison]

A freind and I have been thinking...trying to remember back to early Tuesday when we voted - in different precincts in southern Ohio, but in the same county, just what our ballots looked like. I remember Bush as the top choice, then two fellows I had never heard of, then Kerry, then Nader (who was not supposed to be on the ballot.) Others recall a different order (of names) on the ballot.

I believe that punch cards from all precincts go to the same place to be counted. If names are in different order on the list but are read by the same machine, wouldn't it be possible that a vote for Kerry would occupy a particular spot on a punch card and, if the list was "rearranged," a vote for Kerry could be counted as a vote for Mr. Never Heard of Him Before?

I hope I am making myself clear.

[gennifer6]

1. Can you find a Democratic election official to find out what they think?

Kerry was no. "6" on my punch card, I voted absentee at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections in Cleveland.

[cmd]

2. Names on ballots are rotated in different precincts

When the cards are read the results are done by precinct, then totaled. Precinct AAA might have had Kerry first, Precinct AAB might have have Bush first. It is done in fairness and is perfectly legit. I do understand how you would be confused; but it is nothing to worry about.

[mongo]

3. Theoretically, you have a point

However, I do not think that this is an issue.

The biggest problem with the punch-card machines is the amount of "spoiled ballots" due to hanging chads and people punching two holes for the same office accidentally.

I think that most people counting the ballots are honest people, and that both parties monitor the tallying process.