Posted on 03/07/2007 8:16:55 AM PST by rellimpank
The Senate on Tuesday turned an annual election-code cleanup into a broad overhaul that would let felons on parole vote and close public access to ballots cast in questionable elections.
The bill also would increase oversight of vote centers and institute a "Joe Lieberman clause" to keep primary losers from running in the general election under a different party. Lieberman, a Connecticut U.S. senator, lost the Democratic primary but was re-elected as an independent in the general election.
After more than three hours of debate that spanned two days, the Senate initially approved on party lines the bill that sponsor Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder, said was intended to prevent the Election Day debacles of last year, when long lines and delayed results were encountered in Denver, Douglas and Montrose counties.
But election watchdogs said a provision limiting public access to ballots would make it impossible for the public and media organizations to review results, such as those during the contested 2000 presidential election.
"Open access was essential for reviewing the 2000 election in Florida, ... which ended up showing that the results were different than those certified," Jeff Cook, with the group Honest Elections, said in an e-mail to the media. "... It is the opposite of what needs to be done and is another example of the government fixing a problem that does not exist."
(Excerpt) Read more at denverpost.com ...
They seem to be taking the lead, though I'm sure after the last election gave Democrats a majority, they are going to insure it is always going to be.
Are they going to reinstate their right to keep & bare arms, too?
How to rig an election long before the first ballot is even printed.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
If felons can vote, then shouldn't paroled felons sit on juries?
If a candidate for office can either win the nomination of a recognized Party *OR* garner a certain number of signatures from voters that candidate should be able to get on the November ballot.
Looks to me like Colorado is trying to become the "new" California.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Do the RATs control both chambers in Colorado and the governor's office?
Good question, but that would make them better than victims of violent crimes. My wife was recently excused from jury duty because we had a family member who was a victim of an armed robbery.
This country cannot continue to be half slave (those that pay the freight) and half free (those that free ride off those who pay the freight).
They run for office then become felons.
With the ridiculous felonies being handed out, I no longer support lifetime punishment and taxation without representation for "felons." Unless you want to do it on a case by case basis. The brush stroke has become too broad.
I agree with that. A felony for urinating behind a tree in a park with having to be listed on a sexual predator list is a bit excessive.
Only if they wear short sleeve shirts and don't have tattoos.
Here in Maryland, when the DEMS got shocked 4 years ago when a Republican was elected governor, and there were finally enough PUBS in the legislature to sustain a veto, the legislature just simply lowered the number of votes needed to override. Viola! Fixed ...
"If felons can vote, then shouldn't paroled felons sit on juries?"
What part of "paid their debt to society" is unclear? Paid means Paid.
The Primaries are *party* affairs, the general election is the only *real* government election. Parties should play no part in it. I would even deny straight party voting, and identification of the party of the candidates.
The article stated, in the first paragraph, that paroled felons would be allowed to vote. 'Paroled ' does not mean 'paid.'
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