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Bluzmann57

(12,336 posts)
Wed Oct 31, 2012, 12:23 PM Oct 2012

Could there be (provisional) paper ballots on the east coast?

If the power remains out next Tuesday, would the states affected by Sandy be able to switch to paper ballots to make sure the people can vote? It doesn't take much to print up several thousand paper ballots, even with many candidates and issues in the states. So it seems to me that maybe there is an outside chance that it could happen. Of course, I realize the power crews will be working around the clock to get power back on and that polling places may take priority. But one never knows how these things will go. Many complications can occur while rehooking power lines.

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Could there be (provisional) paper ballots on the east coast? (Original Post) Bluzmann57 Oct 2012 OP
What would benefit the GOP more? That's what will happen. nt valerief Oct 2012 #1
"several thousand"? frazzled Oct 2012 #2
Ok ok. I made a mistake Bluzmann57 Oct 2012 #4
Actually, I believe they already have paper ballots frazzled Oct 2012 #7
Republicans don't control voting that way... brooklynite Oct 2012 #3
Yep. Generators would be moved from hospitals before hand counted paper ballots were used... Junkdrawer Oct 2012 #5
there is likely to be a back-up plan treestar Oct 2012 #6

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
2. "several thousand"?
Wed Oct 31, 2012, 12:31 PM
Oct 2012

Do you know how many people live in the Metropolitan New York City area alone? 18.9 million.

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
7. Actually, I believe they already have paper ballots
Wed Oct 31, 2012, 12:53 PM
Oct 2012

Since 2010, I think they have paper ballots, with fill-in-the-circle choices, which are then put into an optical scan reader.

People could vote, but they'd have to be "read" and counted somewhere where there is electricity. Of course, there has to be electricity for light in the polling places. Can't fill in circles in the dark, in a church basement.

brooklynite

(94,737 posts)
3. Republicans don't control voting that way...
Wed Oct 31, 2012, 12:32 PM
Oct 2012

Most ballots are printed, and voting policy is set by County Boards of Election, which more often than not are bipartisan. Also, remember Republicans want their State and Congressional officials elected, even if the Presidential votes will be going to Obama

Junkdrawer

(27,993 posts)
5. Yep. Generators would be moved from hospitals before hand counted paper ballots were used...
Wed Oct 31, 2012, 12:37 PM
Oct 2012

Think of the precedent if it were shown that elections could be held without computers. We fought Viet Nam to prevent precedents.

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