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Heads up! That election's almost here
The October 7 election strikes me as a probable train wreck on several
counts. I start with my usual objection to recalls. Unless the person being
recalled is a complete crook or a complete fool, he (or she) should be
allowed to finish what he started. I argued the same way in 1992, when
Pacifica had a recall and turned out four competent and worthy council
members because they dared to make a decision. Of course decision making
was why we elected them council members. We had four years to observe Gray
Davis in action, and he was re-elected.
However, here comes the train, ready or not. And I don't think we're going
to be properly ready. Elections are complicated. Oct. 7 will be especially
messy. I need to start by pointing out that anything I write is tentative,
and could be wrong for reasons I can't even imagine, especially including
my own ignorance. San Mateo County has one of the best election departments
in the state. I know. I've seen it work from the inside. The folks who run
it for the most part are dedicated, hardworking, and capable. Even so, this
election is a real doozy.
September 23, fifteen days before the election, is the last day to
register. Sept. 8, 29 days before the actual election, it should be
possible to vote absentee. That means the ballot has to be in place,
typeset, proofread and printed in the tens of thousands in the next four
weeks or so. And sample ballots must also be ready to distribute. The
elections crew won't be taking long weekends in Yosemite come Labor Day.
The ballot itself should be a work of art, with everyone from Jack Hickey
to Larry Flynt a potential Governor. If you don't like the way Gray Davis
has done the job, you ought to really love the prospect of a Governor Flynt
or Governor Hickey. That would be a sure way to make Gray Davis look good
in retrospect.
The size of the ballot will be another complication. But until all the
candidates for Governor are checked in, we can't really plan the ballot.
Because of all the attention being given to the recall, both propositions
also on the ballot may blindside us. Some people may be voting (absentee)
little more than a month from today, and it's unlikely they'll have learned
much about the complications of Prop. 53 and 54, especially Prop. 53. I was
asked my opinion of Prop. 53 the other day, and I had to admit I didn't
have a clue. What little I know sounds terribly complicated. As for Prop.
54, the one thing sure is that an awful lot of lies will be spread about
between now and election day, and probably from all sides of the argument.
Prop. 209, several years ago, was extremely short and simple, yet the
volume of fear-mongering was something to behold. This time around the only
thing simple may be the choice of voting. Yes? No? There will be no Maybe
on the ballot.
Since I'm confused about what should happen, I can't give much advice at
this time, except to urge you to (1) be sure you're registered at your
current address (re-register NOW if you aren't) (2) give all the news
stories your full attention, especially about Prop. 53, which is the most
likely to be ignored. Don't be blindsided. And don't come up to the day
you fill out your ballot without giving it your best shot. This election is
very important to California's future. I hope we make the right decisions.
Paul Azevedo can be e mailed at Paul@thereactor.net.
Check The Reactor's website at www.thereactor.net.
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