More Florida election shenanigans. Insufficient postage. Ballots returned.

[Dr.Phool]

The clerk says she returns "dozens of ballots each day for insufficient postage". I'd say that 3,287 ballots, out of 7,180 requested absentee ballots is a bit more than "dozens". And that doesn't even count the ones yet to be returned.

Another fiasco brought by our Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, Kurt Browning, ES&S salesman extraordinare. The same guy who says we don't need any damned paper trail on his machines.

When I got my ballot last month, I happened to notice a spot for 2 stamps on the return envelope, and the postage to mail it out was $0.53, so I affixed the same postage, not trusting these bastards. I guess a lot of other people didn't notice.

The primary is Tuesday, Sept. 5th, after a long Labor Day week-end.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/31/Pasco/13_cents_overdue_post.shtml

(snip)

Pasco voters have requested 7,180 absentee ballots, and 3,287 have been returned to sender.

Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning said the responsibility for postage is on the voter.

"Absentee voting is a privilege. It's not a right," Browning said. "It's something they choose to do."

Instructions on every Pasco absentee ballot's secrecy envelope tell voters to "be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed."

The envelope also has two boxes where stamps should go.

But nothing states the exact postage required. Browning said the rate is not included because his office uses excess envelopes in future elections, and postal rates can go up.

"It's always been an issue for voters to get the right postage on the things," Browning said.

Browning said his staff probably has heard complaints this year. He has not received any, but urged voters to contact his office with any problems.

(snip)

[SheilaT]

1. You'd think

the people sending out the ballots would include information about how much postage is needed.

Here in Kansas you also have to figure it out yourself.

[Dr.Phool]

2. That's what happened in this case

You'd think that they would tell you how much postage was due. Especially on something as important or time sensitive as a ballot.

As of now, almost 50% have been sent back.

[Canuckistanian]

4. You'd think

the post office would send them through anyways.

Why are they even charging for postage on such an important document as a ballot?

There should be a bill written to make all mailed ballots free of postage charges.

[ArbustoBuster]

12. Why should only Congressmen get franking privileges?

Members of Congress get to send documents out for free through the US Mail, a process called franking. They use it almost exclusively to send out campaign materials - which is supposed to be verboten, but since they make the rules, they can break them whenever they want.

I think that we the people should get franking privileges on our ballots. It's a lot more important than some corrupt Congressman's campaign flyer!

[Canuckistanian]

13. Here in Canada we get to write to our MPs without postage

That's right, if you want to send a letter to your representative or the Prime Minister or any other MP in Parliament - no postage stamp required.

[roseBudd]

3. How heavy was this ballot? Postage required is determined by weight

[Dr.Phool]

6. It's not just weight.

Anything other than a regular sized business envelope costs more.

[SharonAnn]

14. Postage is also determined by size (and Height to Width ratio)

[flpoljunkie]

5. Some in FL are being sent out with NO clue for voters to postage required.

Only a reminder inside that absentee ballots must have the proper postage. The outside of the envelopes give no clue at all. You are lucky you got two boxes--which would tend to indicate that more than one first class stamp was required.

Who do you supposed is responsible for this? Previous ballots in our county have told the voter exactly how much postage was required--the amount of postage required was put inside the box where the stamp or stamps would be affixed--i.e., 63 cents with a cent mark, of course.

[formercia]

7. mindset

"Absentee voting is a privilege. It's not a right," Browning said. "It's something they choose to do."


There should be a law requiring postage paid envelopes.


51% are glad they picked the winning side, the other 49% wonder why their candidate lost.

"Just Imagine", a popular Lottery refrain.

[spartan61]

8. Maybe that's why I haven't received my ballot yet.

My husband received his more than 2 weeks ago and I am still waiting. I better quick give them a call. I am so disgusted. Thanks for the heads up on this.

[hootinholler]

9. Why aren't they franked?

They should be sent with return mail rates, they shouldn't require voter's to pay postage at all.

-Hoot

[DoYouEverWonder]

10. Why doesn't the BOE use prepaid postage

on the ballots?

This is just another excuse to disenfranchise voters.

That's why EARLY VOTING in person is the best way to vote. That way if there is a problem you still have time before the election to do something about it.

[NV Whino]

11. Ballot envelopes are oversized

and should require more postage.

However, California lets the ballot envelopes go for standard postage. I've check with my post office and with the election office. And therein you have the difference between California and Florida.