Election Day 2006 -- Your Vote Counts!!!!

[TuckandStuiesMom]

“Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).” -- Ayn Rand

“Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.” -- William E. Simon

“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” -- Lyndon B. Johnson

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” -- John Quincy Adams

“The vote demonstrates that we accept the notion that all human beings are created in the image of God and have an equal right to preach and teach the word of God.” -- Alexander M, Shapiro

[TuckandStuiesMom]

NO on Prop 107 (http://www.noprop107.com/)

[NewJersey]

Oh don't worry I'm voting...and making sure candidates who support gay rights are elected.

[OrlandoMike]

Count me in! Heck, I even vote in the primarys!

[Boston5602]

Last vote no one was running for county attorney, SO I wrote me own name in ......I don't think I won cause I haven't heard from them YET! <G>

but yeah....... I vote

[Uncle Remus]

Can I post a sign in your thread?
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4184/yourvotecountswl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[DVC~OKW~96]

I can't add my voice strongly enough. PLEASE vote. Know the issues, know the candidates and make your choice.

Here in Florida it gets pretty depressing sometimes, but I still drag my sorry self to the polls and vote.

It's the only edge we can work on having.

Please. Vote.

[Viki]

Voting is a good thing, even when the choices are less so. :thumbsup2

[TuckandStuiesMom]

What do you folks think are the big issues at the national level and then at the state level where you live?

I am SO with you, Uncle Remus regarding our current foreign policy. For me -- the biggest national issue is the war and how we have jeopardized our position in the world community. Does anybody really think we are safer/more secure now than we were before 9/11?

At the state level -- There are land use issues (opposing further development of specific tracts) immigration issues (imagine how some of these would sound -- if the words "blacks" or "jews" were substituted for immigrants), English as the official language (I'm lobbying for Navajo, Apache, Tohono Odom, or Hopi myself), anti-smoking/pro-smoking initiatives, and of course the particularly wretched "Defense of Marriage" prop.

The Arizona HR and Senate races have been so unrelentingly negative on both sides, that I'm thoroughly disgusted with both parties. :confused3 I may just do what you did, Boston5602. :thumbsup2 I'm probably no less qualified than any of the (ahem) individuals currently spending about a kabillion dollars on TV attack ads and at least, MY mama taught ME that "if you don't have anything good to say about somebody, you don't say anything at all." I could'nt care less about seeing another single stinkin' grainy black and white slo-mo video. :badpc: What do these (ahem) individuals stand for?!?!

I live in a notably conservative, sound-bite and buzz-word oriented region so probably my vote will mirror the John Quincy Adams quote above but I'm hoping, just hoping, that I'll make a difference.

Again, what do you see as this election year's "Big" issues?

[DVC~OKW~96]

I beleive the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is a major issue. However, I believe that the current "regime" likes to obfuscate the issue by throwing up particularly emotive alternative issues, like the marriage nonsense (the nonsense part being that it takes one man and one woman to have a "valid" marriage and any other union between adults is negated).

I think environmental issues are suffering as well.

Immigration needs to be addressed from as fair and impartial point of view as possible. Unless you are one hundred percent Native American, you are, or are the child of immigrants.

Health Care. It's a huge issue (but one that is forced under the radar) here in Florida. We have a growing senior population (as do all states, but Florida has a large number of residents over 60) and that makes the fear mongers shout that we are going to go broke paying for "their" medical expenses. That is total rot. Unfortunately, it is believed by many and there are plans afoot to decrease the services currently provided (and those are inadequate). Unless the current government team is stopped, there is going to be one heck of a nasty mess in health care in Florida, very soon.

There are others, but these are the ones that cost me the most sleep at night. :blush:

[OrlandoMike]

DCV-OKW,

Are you gonna watch the Katherine Harris debate?

Getting the popcorn ready here, that should be a fun one to watch!

[dan1964]

Even tho I live in one of the Reddest of Red states ... I'll be placing my vote, it may not make much difference in the overall ... but at least it will make some sort of dent. :)

[dkostel]

It is around election times that I am happy to live in Chicago. (The rest of the time I'm wishing I lived in Florida). A right wing religious group tried to get a "straights only marriage" type item added to the ballot. A group I'm involved in checked signatures, and enough were questionable to get it tossed :thumbsup2 . I was really saddened to see all the 20 somethings who signed. When I was in my 20 I was busy expanding my opinions beyond the ones I was subjected to growing up (not all bad). If you can't have an open mind at 20, what chance do you have. It just makes me sad.
What is making me sick is all the ads here which were paid for the the Republican National Party, not the candidates, which for the most part lie about the democrat without even mentioning anything substantial or positive about the Republican. One victim of their attacks (such as calling them L-I-B-E-R-A-L-S and pointing out that they vote the same way that Nancy Pelosi does - which may fly in SAN FRANCISCO- but not Illinois) is a woman who lost both legs in Iraq. They put the "k" is class!
Hopefully Ole Dirty Hastart doesn't get re-elected. I am not in the district that votes on that one, but I wish I were.

For the folks in Florida, all we ask of you is that Katherine Harris doesn't win. Baby steps!

[piratepresleyrocks]

Vote NO in Wisconsin


Why further a pointless law that will hurt even more people gay AND straight?

Don't worry I'll be there with bells on :thumbsup2

[TuckandStuiesMom]

that we've got so many involved folks on this board. :) :goodvibes :) So many people I know think they just can't be bothered.

[OrlandoMike]

For the folks in Florida, all we ask of you is that Katherine Harris doesn't win. Baby steps!


She doesn't stand a chance, but the entertainment is fun while it lasts! I've been told she once worked for Disney as a face character.....Cruella perhaps?

[Saxton]

She doesn't stand a chance, but the entertainment is fun while it lasts! I've been told she once worked for Disney as a face character.....Cruella perhaps?

So that's where she learned how to apply her makeup!!! Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'm ready to vote and hoping for positive changes in NY State.

[RosieO]

There is no excuse for not voting! Consider this a celebrity endorsement.

[SplshMtnLvr28]

Can't vote in the real election yet, but I'll definately be voting in the mock election at school tomorrow!

[TuckandStuiesMom]

There is no excuse for not voting! Consider this a celebrity endorsement.You read it here folks! Ms. O'Donnell is taking NO excuses!

:teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth: I can't wait to tell my ex-work buddies on Thursday that my little thread attempt caught the attention of Ms. Rosie. WOO-HOO! It SO beats out talking about countertop finishes and getting the livingroom chairs re-covered. :teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

[smartestnumber5]

Two years ago the state of Michigan passed a ballot proposal (Proposal 2) amending the Michigan constitution to ban the union of people of the same sex for marriage or any other purpose--because of those last three words I believe there is currently still a lawsuit over domestic partnership benefits.

This year Proposal 2 on the ballot would amend the constitution to ban affirmative action on the basis of race, sex, and ethnicity for education and jobs. There was a lot of controvery surrounding this proposal even getting on the ballot--accusations that those collecting in signatures in favor of it misled voters (mostly African Americans in Detroit) about what the proposal actually said.

The commercials I've been seeing against the proposal have largely focused on how the passage of the proposal would be damaging to white girls and white women--they show a bunch of little white girls in class and explain that the proposal would ban any kind of enrichment programs which encourage girls to enter math and science fields, etc. Then they show about 15 white girls and women in a picture and say "vote no on proposal 2 for Michigan's women." Umm, what about black and Latina women?! And men for that matter?! The commercial ticks me off everytime I see it. I understand why if there's going to be any chance of beating the proposal they have to advertise this way, so I'm not angry at the groups putting the commercials on. Obviously the polls show that the majority of voters are much more likely to be disturbed by the idea of their white daughters losing educational ground than black and Latina/o girls/boys losing educational ground. It just burns me up that this is the case and shows that there's no real principles at work in a lot of voters support for this ballot. They're for it when they think it's only going to affect black and Latino/a kids, but when suddenly it might be their kid who loses a program they think twice. If they really believed in a strict color and sex-blindness principle it wouldn't matter if they're kid might be affected or not! :furious:

Anyway, this is the election issue in my state that concerns me most. Sorry for venting!

[OrlandoMike]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 3) - The leader of the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, resigned Thursday after being accused of paying for sex with a man in monthly trysts over the past three years.

What else do you need? VOTE!

[Viki]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 3) - The leader of the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, resigned Thursday after being accused of paying for sex with a man in monthly trysts over the past three years.

What else do you need? VOTE!

Yes, it was Ted Haggard (the accused). Unbelievable - he's a big fish in the evangelical pond.

I mean, of course, that it is believable that he's gay - that's totally believable - what's unbelievable is that being gay (if he is) he could be so militantly anti-gay. It's the second thing that makes Jesus mad, not the first! :furious:

[OrlandoMike]

On a side note, you think these guys would be a little better on their timing.

W is on TV telling us how Republicans are going to keep our taxes down.

I live in Florida, where our govenor is the brother of W.

Got our tax bill for the house yesterday.....OUCH!

Timing is everything!

[piratepresleyrocks]

Did anyone else catch that "Hacking Democracy" documentary on HBO last night? That was the scariest thing I've seen in a long time :furious: For those who missed out, it was about a few people who came together after the last presidential election and started asking the tough questions about what went wrong with the voting machines. What they found in terms of the potential of hacking into the system was astonishing. It's like now the election is already flawed and its too late to do anything this time around. I'm really scared for what will happen next week. Voting is a must for everyone especially after seeing this, but I can't say in my heart that it will be a fair election still. :sad2: What is happening to our country? Everyone's so divided and betrayal of the people seems to be running rampant from both parties. Its gone way past the point of just hoping that the democrats can take the House and Senate. If they don't, and this "dictatorship" continues, I fear that there will be an uproar of the american people. We are nothing when divided the way we are right now. If we are to the point that we can no longer even hold a fair vote...I'm scared to see what comes next :sad2:

[dkostel]

A group called black box voting (add dot org for their site) showed how a chimp could alter results on a Diebold voting machine after the 2004 elections. If you're voting electronically on a machine that doesn't give a receipt, bring your camera or a camera phone & take a picture.

[Uncle Remus]

Good Luck everybody in your individual
states and to all of us as a nation. :goodvibes

[Viki]

I have to say, I usually split my vote, based on all sorts of factors. Truthfully, I tend to be a real maverick; I'm not comfortable with any party line. During the last presidential election I literally had friends from all over the country calling me, worried about which way I might lean :goodvibes

But after talking with my DP - we hate to cancel out each other's votes - I'm pulling a "straight" ticket this time around.

[TuckandStuiesMom]

A little heads-up for "future reference" (think 2008) John McCain is on Arizona TV right now talking up his plan to vote for Prop 107 and "support marriage". VERY DISAPPOINTING.

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I don't know about anybody else's experience but the polling location I went to this morning was extremely uncrowded. Since we had so many initiatives, the TV news has been telling us for days that we oughta make up a cheat sheet before going because the polls would be so crowded. I did -- so I was totally prepared and sailed right through -- but honestly I coulda taken all the time in the world and I don't think it would have made any difference.
Now we wait...

[Viki]

I don't know about anybody else's experience but the polling location I went to this morning was extremely uncrowded. Since we had so many initiatives, the TV news has been telling us for days that we oughta make up a cheat sheet before going because the polls would be so crowded. I did -- so I was totally prepared and sailed right through -- but honestly I coulda taken all the time in the world and I don't think it would have made any difference.
Now we wait...


Yes, DP and I voted much earlier than we usually do - we're caring for a sick dog following surgery - and the lines were light. But, still, I'm hearing that nationally the turnout looks above average.

Now I'm just flipping between stations and blogs, while reading between the lines. It sure sounds like the Dems did well.

[Saxton]

Yes, DP and I voted much earlier than we usually do - we're caring for a sick dog following surgery - and the lines were light. But, still, I'm hearing that nationally the turnout looks above average.


I always get up early and vote before I go to work and I was only number 29 this morning. I just heard on the news that American turnout for elections is usually around 40%, it's amazing that so many people are so apathetic. It's also scarey how uninformed people are about the candidates and issues. Most Americans pride themselves on living in a free democracy but they don't want to take the time to be informed and involved.

[dkostel]

Most people believe in what they hear and read from the corporate owned media outlets. It's no wonder they are misinformed. And if you watch some of the campaign ads, *** :confused3 I'm VERY glad for my TIVO to speed me by those hate spewing ads.
Its a pretty sad commentary that the most truely informative news can be found on a comedy cable station!

[Viki]

CNN is projecting that the VA "protecting marriage" amendment will pass. :furious: :furious: :furious:

Lovely.

[mickeysaver]

Gabby and I voted this evening. We almost didn't make it. We both went to the doctor today, but who knew that it could take about 2 hours have a urine sample dipped and a blood pressure check?!?! :confused3 Maggie

[rcostello1]

CNN is projecting that the VA "protecting marriage" amendment will pass. :furious: :furious: :furious:

So not a surprise, but at least a few people at work (and neighbors) said "we voted No on 1"...we knew it would pass, now we just have to see what it really means (not the marriage part, the other part).

[vascubaguy]

So not a surprise, but at least a few people at work (and neighbors) said "we voted No on 1"...we knew it would pass, now we just have to see what it really means (not the marriage part, the other part).

I talked to quite a few people about the amendment and most of them had no idea about the "other" part. They only saw the one man, one woman part. When I explained that if they read further where it stated ANY unmarried persons could not have rights/protections of marriage, they would say, "that's stupid!" Alas, I don't think most people read that far.

Although the amendment passed, I was pleased to see it was still somewhat close.

Of course VA stayed Republican in the House, but I'm glad those other 28 seats came thru. Now I'm just hoping that Allen LOST!!! I imagine recounts will be going on for weeks before we hear anything official. I hate to admit it, but I was actually an Allen supporter back when he was Governor of VA. Now he's just "another Bush".

Anyway, I haven't checked all the results yet (working on a big research paper due tomorrow). I hope things went better in other states with marriage amendments on the ballot.

BTW, I'm wondering if Virginians will be able to challenge the new amendment at the Supreme Court level... perhaps a violation of parts of the constitution (Freedom of Association, etc...).

[Rence]

I talked to quite a few people about the amendment and most of them had no idea about the "other" part. They only saw the one man, one woman part. When I explained that if they read further where it stated ANY unmarried persons could not have rights/protections of marriage, they would say, "that's stupid!" Alas, I don't think most people read that far.



Wisconsin had a similar amendment pass. I figured it would, there was some hope, but all the polls showed it narrowly passing. But in most states that polls have consistently understated the yes vote. To me, this indicates that people who vote yes are unwilling to tell pollsters that they will be voting yes, hence undercounting potential yes voters. This would seem to me that they are ashamed of their vote, as well they should be.

We also had the second sentence. I'm convinced that they would have passed as amendment that read.

"Marriage shall be between one man and one woman. All kittens and puppies will be killed. Taxes will be increased to 99.9% of income. The consumption of chocolate shall be illegal."

The would have read the first sentence and not looked at anything else.

[RENThead09]

AZ had some good news come out of last night as prop 107 was defeated. It seemed that they got the info out that this was not only about "gay marriage" but could effect anyone who was living together and not married. Many people I talked to also saw it as the government going to far into peoples lives. Again!

I personally thank Britney Spears for standing up and being the spokesperson for the sanctity of Marriage and all that it stands for in our country! :rotfl:

Kinda interesting that we voted down the ammendment that proposed a $1,000,000 prize be given out every election to one lucky voter, using the unclaimed lottery money.

[TuckandStuiesMom]

AZ had some good news come out of last night as prop 107 was defeated. It seemed that they got the info out that this was not only about "gay marriage" but could effect anyone who was living together and not married. Many people I talked to also saw it as the government going to far into peoples lives. Again!

Boy! I sure hope you're right -- this am, the TV was saying 50% opposed / 48.5 in favor with a whole bunch of mail-in votes still to be counted. I am cautiously optimistic though.

[RENThead09]

I'll keep my fingers crossed then. This morning one of the stations had said it was defeated, so I didn't think it was that close. Last I had seen was the 52-48 numbers. Let's hope for the best!

[rcostello1]

It's very interesting (and not surprising) looking at the VA vote breakdown. In the more urban areas and college towns the amendment failed but out in the sticks is where the amendment won. I find it interesting the the highest percentage of "no's" potentially houses (arguably) some of the brighter people in the state with UVA in the midst--Charlottsville at 77% no.

Most people just don't realize the potential ramifications. Not married and not related? Sorry can't do that legal document...your friend can have your house, too bad, so sorry. Maybe it will end up at the Supreme Court...no marriage is one thing but no anything for anyone who isn't married is quite another.

Who said no to intolerance? Our friends and otherwise smarter people who can read...

Williamsburg - 62%
Richmond - 69%
Petersburg - 65%
Norfork - 54%
Fredricksburg - 58%
Falls Church (DC burbs) - 69%
Fairfax (City) - 53%
Charlottesville (Home of UVA) - 77%
Alexandria (DC burbs) - 70%
Fairfax (county, where I live) - 54%
Arlington - 74%
Albemarle County (greater Charlottesville) - 59%

[piratepresleyrocks]

I'm sooo irritated to be living in wisconsin right now!!! I was truly shocked that we lost the marriage referendum in our state. I felt that the campaign that had been put out there was really strong. It showed all parts of the issue, not just the gay marriage argument. I cannot believe the government has successfully reached this far into our lives. Though I'm thrilled with the national outcome of the election I feel so trapped and disappointed by this portion of it :sad2: :furious:

[dkostel]

Oh Happy Day!
The House, the Senate and Rummy too!! There will be legalized gay marriage, or something similar. It will take time but this election is a good step in the right direction. :banana: :yay: :bounce: :dance3:

[Rence]

I'm sooo irritated to be living in wisconsin right now!!! I was truly shocked that we lost the marriage referendum in our state. I felt that the campaign that had been put out there was really strong. It showed all parts of the issue, not just the gay marriage argument. I cannot believe the government has successfully reached this far into our lives. Though I'm thrilled with the national outcome of the election I feel so trapped and disappointed by this portion of it :sad2: :furious:

I too am displeased. I figured it would pass, no poll showed it not passing and in most states the final yes vote percentage was quite a bit higher than the polls predicted.

We did get a consolation prize however. The Republicans in our state put this on the ballot solely in an attempt to draw out value voters to defeat our Democratic Governor. However it backfired. It is true the amendment passed, but the anti-amendment forces got out enough votes that reelected Doyle as Governor. I have read several quotes from Republicans acknowledging that they blew it big-time on this one.

I am 50 years old. I was born into a very Republican household. My dad was the county party chairman for years. I was a gay-Republican for most of my life. But this issue just pushed me too far. When the Republican party is trying to use bigotry against gays for political advantage than the party is deserving of support from no one. I am totally disgusted with the party at the state and national level. I am now a registered Democrat. My coming out to my dad three decades ago was a bit rough on him, but he has taken my political conversion much harder.

[Saxton]

I just heard about this and thought it was worthy of sharing. Bill Maher appeared on Larry King Live (don't know what night) and outed Ken Mehlman, head of the RNC. The broadcast went out live on the east coast but was then censored by CNN for the west coast. I'm not sure if I'm more upset about the large number of gays who are willing to work for the same Republican party that wants to deny us rights or upset with CNN for censoring this. The video was on YouTube but it has been pulled. Right now it's on The Huffington Post ... for the time being at least.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/11/08/censored-by-cnn-bill-mah_n_33701.html

[Viki]

I just heard about this and thought it was worthy of sharing. Bill Maher appeared on Larry King Live (don't know what night) and outed Ken Mehlman, head of the RNC. The broadcast went out live on the east coast but was then censored by CNN for the west coast. I'm not sure if I'm more upset about the large number of gays who are willing to work for the same Republican party that wants to deny us rights or upset with CNN for censoring this. The video was on YouTube but it has been pulled. Right now it's on The Huffington Post ... for the time being at least.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/11/08/censored-by-cnn-bill-mah_n_33701.html

Sue!!! You're kldding! I've been thinking all week, "That guy is sooooo GAY!!!!!!"

Listen, I get Log Cabin Republicans, but these closeted types have got to be self-hating, authority-seeking synchophants!

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Quoting their official website:

Early Ballots Yet to Be Counted

November 9, 2006 - PHOENIX - As of Wednesday afternoon, the Maricopa County Recorder’s office had 250,000 early ballots remaining to be counted. The Recorder’s office can count 25,000 ballots per day so the counting is expected to take 10 days. The Arizona Secretary of State’s office on radio estimated a total of 350,000 ballots statewide remain to be counted. Currently, Proposition 107 is behind by about 32,000 out of over 1.1 million votes cast. Updates are expected around 5:00 PM each day.

[NewJersey]

Quoting their official website:

Early Ballots Yet to Be Counted

November 9, 2006 - PHOENIX - As of Wednesday afternoon, the Maricopa County Recorder’s office had 250,000 early ballots remaining to be counted. The Recorder’s office can count 25,000 ballots per day so the counting is expected to take 10 days. The Arizona Secretary of State’s office on radio estimated a total of 350,000 ballots statewide remain to be counted. Currently, Proposition 107 is behind by about 32,000 out of over 1.1 million votes cast. Updates are expected around 5:00 PM each day.

I heard early voting in AZ favored the dems though, so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!