LAist: Dear CA Democrats: Vote Early, Not Late

trojan2002

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:12:30 -0800

Isn't it important for all eligible voters, not just those you agree with? Venezuela and Egypt hold shoddy elections, are you suggesting that in CA and USA we hold a similar system? Only those that agree with you should be allowed to vote? Talk about making an elected illegitimate. No ballot initiative involving a bond should be passed! Our state has been in a dire financial crisis since 1999, we should not be borrowing to make progress. We should balance our budget and grow naturally. California is no different than a sub prime mortgage borrower. The state continues to live beyond its means, and as citizens we perpetuate this process. Here’s an example, in 2004 citizens voted against requiring 1% of the budget being direct towards infrastructure. 2 years later we approved a $110 BILLION bond for infrastructure that killed our credit rating and will cost with interest over $227B. Let’s encourage our government to be more responsible.

Anjali Taneja

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:28:43 -0800

agreed, colfax on the importance of discussing prop 5. I committed to writing about it a while ago and will post about it this week. Pronto.

ben bang

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:27:04 -0800

Not so, Colfax. George W. Bush destroyed forever the myth that the President of the US doesn't affect our daily lives. But the ballot initiatives ARE important. Zach, you should consider posting a voter's guide to ALL the initiatives.

Colfax

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:09:22 -0800

Prop 5 continues to get no love in these pages. And MOST of the propositions are far more important on our daily lives than the choice of a President.

Anjali Taneja

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:19:15 -0800

It's a good question -- why is the only early voting location at the site of the LA County Registrar (Norwalk)? I'd love to see this big ol' city put some investment into at least a few early voting areas in the city (other cities have done it without any problems). It's imperative, really, given the number of voters here. Ideally, our only choices wouldn't be voting on November 4th or voting by mail. We're far behind other states in this regard. Also -- thanks for bringing up that theory, Zach, though I find it very frightening. And yes, all should be encouraged to vote early (or vote early on nov 4th) but some would argue that Dems have a bit more at stake with folks not going out to vote. The right has put quite a few scary props on the ballot this time around. Prop 4 has been brought back from the dead for the 3rd time (WHY?) and that would criminalize abortion and docs who perform them. Prop 8, without adequate opponents, would AMEND the california constitution to discriminate against people. And Prop 6, without sufficient opposition, would criminalize more people and build more prisons. Personally i find these propositions more of a threat to dems than any proposition is a threat to republicans. That's my take on why dems are a bit frightened about people not getting out to vote. With this possible theory in mind, i'm hoping to encourage all my friends and colleagues to vote early.

jrb

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:59:14 -0800

"Haven't Republicans voted enough already?" Actually, Democrats are supposed to vote on Nov 4th, and Republicans are supposed to vote on Nov 5th. : )

Zach Behrens

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:39:40 -0800

I've seen some facebook invites for people to car pool down to Norwalk this Saturday. It's in Norwalk because that's the HQ for the Registrar's Office--of convenience for them, I would speculate.

msmerymac

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:28:34 -0800

Paul - sign up to vote absentee. I already received my ballot and will fill it out as soon as I figure out who to vote for in the "president" column... Never thought I'd be an undecided voter. ;-) I think I've made my decision, though.

BingosDingo

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:34:41 -0800

Haven't Republicans voted enough already? Maybe they should take a break this time around. *Just kidding* ;^)

Linkracer

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:30:33 -0800

Theory works both ways. As Obama pulls away in the exit polls, McCain backers may consider it useless to go out and vote, especially in CA. On the other hand, Dems, motivated to make it the biggest win in near history, may continue to go out and vote to be part of the party. The point is - you just never know until election day. Theories are great - but what's even better is record turnout from BOTH sides of the spectrum. And more importantly - the MIDDLE of the spectrum.

BingosDingo

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:27:19 -0800

Because Norwalk is far away? Damnfino!

paul

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:18:09 -0800

I'd vote early but I don't have a car and the early voting center for LA County is Norwalk. Why would they put it over there?

Zach Behrens

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:48:08 -0800

I haven't heard this as a Republican concern yet. I got the above info by talking to some Dem lobbyist about election day and its timeline.

ven_nm

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:22:16 -0800

shouldn't you be encouraging all to vote early instead of only ONE group of voters that are voting for ONE side of a proposition or candidate (ie YOUR side)? the more voices heard the more reflective of society is the law in effect....