Myron_Sleeva
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2003
- Messages
- 93
Al Waters commented: "the toughest part is getting people out there to vote. That is what we need to concentrate on."
Can I offer two reasons that perhaps the voter turn out is what it is- generally poor.
1. People are like water in that they take the path of least resistance. If an issue is not really that important to them, they will do what is easiest - nothing. Take for example, voting for the executive. I would venture that the best turn out is from the areas that actually know the candidates. To someone who is seperated by geography, what is the difference as to "who" gets elected as the voters feel alienated. Same goes for rule changes - " it's just one vote, what can it matter!"
Factor in the concept that change is difficult - new governments gnerally do not get elected but rather old ones get defeated. The odds are always with the encumbent. In order for a change to have any chance, the voters must dislike the old. When it comes to rule changes, the old guard can keep the status quo much easier than another can initate and then motivate voters to participate and bring about the new ideas.
The ones that are passionate or efficacious (feel they can make a difference) will be the voters.
2. Lack of secrecy. Why is it necessary to mail in the ballot to the home office? Who has the responsibility to do the count there and does the entire membership trust that individual to maintain their individual secrecy as to who they did or did not support? Since the current system forces the voter to identify themselves, rather than hurt someone's feelings, no vote is cast. Does the person doing the count have a hidden agenda? The point here is not to question the integrity of the person but just to think out loud. This is also more work than is necessary for any single person.
Why are the votes not cast locally, at a meeting for example or even at a race, right at the driver's meeting, for those fortunate enough to have the good weather. A representative of each club could be the returning officer or even have two for audit purposes. They could prevent stuffing of the ballot box and they would offer ONE secret ballot to each member to be marked discreetly and submitted right there. No mailing of ballots from the home office or printing off the net. No need to a lick stamp, stuff an envelope and go to the mail box to mail in the vote. Make it as easy as possible. The results could be counted and the final tally submitted. The ballots could be forwarded, if deemed necessary by the powers that be, as a final audit but ultimately, what is wrong with just trusting the local returning officer(s)? Certainly there must be at least TWO honest boaters in any given club! ! (there are some that believe the words "honest" and "boater" cannot be used in the same sentence) <LOL> The whole process could take 5 minutes. It's worth a try - bet you an In and Out double double burger you will at least double the participation. (been toooo long since I had one of those! )
Does anyone see any downside? Does this seem do able?
This scenario in itself can be a test case - will there be any change or will it be same old, same old.
Myron
Can I offer two reasons that perhaps the voter turn out is what it is- generally poor.
1. People are like water in that they take the path of least resistance. If an issue is not really that important to them, they will do what is easiest - nothing. Take for example, voting for the executive. I would venture that the best turn out is from the areas that actually know the candidates. To someone who is seperated by geography, what is the difference as to "who" gets elected as the voters feel alienated. Same goes for rule changes - " it's just one vote, what can it matter!"
Factor in the concept that change is difficult - new governments gnerally do not get elected but rather old ones get defeated. The odds are always with the encumbent. In order for a change to have any chance, the voters must dislike the old. When it comes to rule changes, the old guard can keep the status quo much easier than another can initate and then motivate voters to participate and bring about the new ideas.
The ones that are passionate or efficacious (feel they can make a difference) will be the voters.
2. Lack of secrecy. Why is it necessary to mail in the ballot to the home office? Who has the responsibility to do the count there and does the entire membership trust that individual to maintain their individual secrecy as to who they did or did not support? Since the current system forces the voter to identify themselves, rather than hurt someone's feelings, no vote is cast. Does the person doing the count have a hidden agenda? The point here is not to question the integrity of the person but just to think out loud. This is also more work than is necessary for any single person.
Why are the votes not cast locally, at a meeting for example or even at a race, right at the driver's meeting, for those fortunate enough to have the good weather. A representative of each club could be the returning officer or even have two for audit purposes. They could prevent stuffing of the ballot box and they would offer ONE secret ballot to each member to be marked discreetly and submitted right there. No mailing of ballots from the home office or printing off the net. No need to a lick stamp, stuff an envelope and go to the mail box to mail in the vote. Make it as easy as possible. The results could be counted and the final tally submitted. The ballots could be forwarded, if deemed necessary by the powers that be, as a final audit but ultimately, what is wrong with just trusting the local returning officer(s)? Certainly there must be at least TWO honest boaters in any given club! ! (there are some that believe the words "honest" and "boater" cannot be used in the same sentence) <LOL> The whole process could take 5 minutes. It's worth a try - bet you an In and Out double double burger you will at least double the participation. (been toooo long since I had one of those! )
Does anyone see any downside? Does this seem do able?
This scenario in itself can be a test case - will there be any change or will it be same old, same old.
Myron