Posted on 02/02/2011 5:30:14 PM PST by NormsRevenge
Gov. Jerry Brown's planned special election in June asking voters to extend three state taxes could be an exclusively vote-by-mail ballot.
If the idea being batted around takes off, it would be a first for California.
The governor stated during his State of the State address Monday that he wants a "clear mandate" from the public for his plan, but he's also looking at his best chances of winning. And some advisers figure a mail vote would give him that chance.
Why?
A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll found that likely voters ages 35 to 54 were almost evenly split on the taxes, 50 percent "yes" to 48 percent "no."
Those over 55, on the other hand, favored five-year extensions of increases in the state personal income tax, sales tax and vehicle license fee by 56 percent to 38 percent.
Older voters are also the most likely to vote by mail.
A mail-in ballot could save counties millions of dollars in election costs. But there is a risk - disenfranchising voters in Democratic and minority-heavy Los Angeles County, where mail delivery is unreliable in spots and 71 percent of voters still cast ballots at their neighborhood precincts.
Steve Glazer, the governor's political adviser, sidestepped the possibility of a June vote-by-mail election, saying only that "step one is for the Legislature to adopt his tough budget cuts."
There is a catch, however.
Just as it would take two-thirds of the Legislature to authorize a special election, it would take a two-thirds majority to approve the vote-by-mail format.
In both cases, Brown will need Republican support.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
A real governor would be looking for cuts (not higher taxes) as spending is The Problem. A Rat governor should be twisting his fellow rat's tails to get this done. Voter fraud is a problem, not knowing the solution to this state's fiscal mess is a bigger problem.
Vote by mail = get ready for higher taxes Kalifornia. FRAUD!!!!!!! If true, this is a bad idea and backlash needs to start before this ever gets started. Not to sugar coat it but vote fraud is the only way any democrap or their initiatives can gain/keep power over the citizens in this country, even in Kalifornia.
Sure is, but how do you guarantee that old people won’t have someone send for their absentee ballot, then fill it out for them?
This would be almost impossible to keep track of, fraud certain to be massive.
I don’t approve of this AT ALL.
This is my first post on Free Republic... bear with me.
One man, one vote, one tax and face to face in every transaction.
Those over 55, on the other hand, favored five-year extensions of increases in the state personal income tax, sales tax and vehicle license fee by 56 percent to 38 percent.
I seriously question this assumption. Vehicle license fees have jumped in the last three years, and I can't believe those over 55 would appreciate an increase in the sales tax.
On the other hand, I do believe, contrary to their best interests, over 55s would vote by mail.
Respectfully - I have been voting in Calif since I moved here in 1981. Never had to show an ID. Not saying that is right - just stating fact. Thank you.
Agreed...
...and welcome. ;^)
Funny :)
Why do you say that? All mail ballot envelopes have to be signature verified with the correct address of the registered voter. By contrast, you don't even need ID to vote at a precinct because it's "racist."
Their other favorite is: Death Panels. Makes it easier for RATs to deny health care to Conservatives and whomever else they choose to eliminate. Big Brother’s database, more than likely, includes your religion, whether or not you own a gun, if you’re an activist. No doubt every time we call DC to complain, they will log in who is calling and put another denial of care on your file.
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