Seriously, I want to start this post by saying “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, UTAH COUNTY?”
But I won’t.
Before the bad news, I do want to congratulate Californians on passing Prop 8! Way to go, guys, and you’ve made my morning a little brighter today!
That said, on with the annoyed tone. In fact, I feel the urge to go for a walk today and just randomly slap two out of every five adults I come across. But here’s why. This year, with the most amazing, best qualified democratic candidates yet; this year, with the huge media emphasis on the corruption in the Utah republican party (and NO, Microsoft spell checker, I refuse to capitalize the “r” in this sentence) and specifically the legislature; this year, when a Democratic candidate won a full 40% of Utah’s votes for president (unheard of!); this year when people thought there would truly be winds of change blowing through this state, bringing hints of a functioning two-party system instead of being held hostage by the reds…
This year, like every other, almost 40% of people in Utah County didn’t even read past the first page of the ballot, marking their vote as straight Republican, and putting some of the biggest jerks in the state back in office (including a guy who thought it was funny to moon a group of 14-year old girls at Lake Powell because he got upset at something someone did in another boat). Thanks Utah, for proving to the nation we are at least 40% uninformed sheep yet again at the ballot boxes.
But seriously, how will we ever overcome that mentality? Is it time for a third party in Utah, people are so opposed to Blue? And are the youth any more informed than the people living on the hillsides – can we just wait for the ignorance to die or will it be perpetuated through the next poisoned generation? I had to actually sit down with my six-year-old son this morning when we told him the election results and explain to him that Obama is NOT a terrorist, NOT a stupidhead and NOT related to Osama bin Ladin and planning to destroy our country. He was shocked when I told him simply Obama is in fact a very smart man. I can’t imagine where he’s heard all of this except from his schoolmates who in turn have got to get it from their parents, and obviously I haven’t done enough to talk to him myself.
Now I know none of my friends reading this were involved in the political massacre, and I’m of course not chastising any of you, I just feel the need to express this opinion where so many in the country are joyful today and have had their hopes buoyed up with the prospects of change, I feel like I missed the boat and am stuck still in the same stale system that’s let us down time and time again. And I’ll be the first to admit here I actually voted for McCain. However, among other things, the evil “straight party” button at the ballot box has got to go. Also, the misconception that you can’t be affiliated with any other party but Republican and hold a temple recommend has REALLY got to go. And I really thought this would be the year. I guess it’s not me, but Utah County that missed the boat again this year on what should have been an obvious year for change.
For reference, here are a few specific things that bug me about Utah elections, and that need to change before the next election (unlikely as THAT may be with a one-party legislature fat and happy where they are).
1. Straight-Party Balloting should be illegal. This is one of the dumbest things this state has ever come up with. I have no doubt many people were momentarily confused this morning when the first question the machine asked was which party they wanted to vote for. I wonder how many people don't realize that it's okay to click the "Next>" button without selecting something on that first voting screen. And incidentally, did you happen to notice selections, once made, couldn’t be changed easily? More than one person complained last night they “accidentally” voted straight party because they thought they were being asked their party affiliation, then were disappointed to find their ballot completely filled in for them. It’s tricky, but I think the Reps. here like it that way.
2. Candidates should be listed alphabetically, NOT by party, on the ballots. Did you get a chance to look at the official ballot for Utah County that was being provided to voters as they waited in line? In every single case, the name of the Republican candidate was placed at the top of the list of candidates for that particular office. In Salt Lake County, the Democrat candidate is listed first. Imagine that--the politicization of politics.
3. We should be able to keep a printed copy of our ballots, or be able to look up the result. It does bother me a little that I can’t really see much of what I voted for. Granted, you have the verification screens, but in this day and age of technology it seems there should be a way that I can have my unique voter number printed out for me, and then a website where I can ensure that the votes for my number were actually tallied correctly. If grocery stores can print out a receipt every time I check out, why not polling places? I almost wonder if they just would rather not worry about the possible "returns" when people see what's showing up on the receipts.
That’s it. Now I need a coke. Then I’m going for a walk.
13 comments:
I will mourn with you, even though I don't live in Utah anymore. But I hate politics, hate the political parties, and hate that there are so many games played with the elections, voting (I didn't realize that the computer screens were set up that way since I had to vote provisionally this year)--I, too, don't see the point of the straight party voting. I hate the parties. DH and I have both declared ourselves independents this year and seriuosly looked into third party candidates (and actually both ended up voting for a 3rd party candidate.) It is time for Utah, and people everywhere, to start looking into people who actually support what they beleive in and not limiting themselves to the "2 choices" were given. I heard so many people saying that they don't like either candidate, but I know most don't ever even think of voting for someone else. but if all those people who aren't impressed with either of the two main parties would start looking into the other people running, it might actually open up some new choices!
And now I'll stop my essay. . .
MO has eliminated the straight party option, and I'm glad. I voted McCain too, but for a democrat governor.
I got bugged last week when our R.S. pres. sent out a very political message to the entire R.S. with the assumption that of course everyone would be voting GOP. That really annoyed me.
Sometimes I'm really glad I don't live in California or Utah.
P.S. I am still happy that Mo finally ended up a red state, though!
ummm...I didnt vote a straight ballot....I have a temple recomend interview tongiht...should I be worried??
I too hate politics and there for try to stay away...I am proabaly way uninformed but I sat down durring many nap times and studied...Quite honestly I think the country will be fine. No one hate me please!
Bravo sister. I LOVE that I didn't have to deal with Utah political games this year. I was just saying this morning that the idea of checking an "R" or a "D" and thinking you've actually voted is ridiculous. Voting implies thinking and making decisions. I heard that in Utah county 1/3 voters pushed that silly "R". I see, now, that may not have been intentional, but it is still sickening. Utah needs to do away with that, but with all the republicans running the show, i don't see that happening. NY does not allow that kind of voting and I love it.
Kim, I love your essay! And I agree - I think a three or four party system would prove useful for a lot of things and maybe would encourage true non-partisan work in legislatures everywhere. Right now every session seems to be just "us" and "them", more like a college rivalry than a group of educated leaders trying their best to make decisions for the whole.
I guess there are 15 states that allow straight-party voting, and it's confusing in every state that does and has caused a lot of problems. I just don't understand the reasoning behind it, except to make it easier for less qualified or less ethical (in utah's case) candidates to ride in on the coattails of the popular party. Just doesn't make sense to me!
In STL you can't just check a box to vote a straight ticket. That was new this year and I liked it. I hope you had your walk but that you didn't slap anyone!
Laura, I remember voting in Utah and feeling very frustrated for a lot of reasons, one because Utah is so predictable nobody cares what the outcome is. Presidential candidates rarely visit because... what's the point? It's kind of fun to be in Missouri. I got at least one political call a day, usually more (could be annoying, but I kind of appreciated being "courted"). Of course, as it turned out, Missouri was not so important this election.
I voted for McCain, too, and admit I feel bummed. Oh well. I'm sure everything will be fine with a liberal president, just expensive.
I'll never claim UT. Ever. So glad we are only passing through because of school. This place is nuts, for all the reasons you listed, and so much more!!! :P
I along with most people I know were very disapointed that your mom did not win. Change would have been nice. But people are to afraid of change. I don't like the straight party option either. Who know what's wrong with all of these people?
I feel your pain. I am a very right wing conservative voter (just ask my wife she thinks I resemble Goldwater on meth LOL), but I feel like some members of the Utah Republican Party have failed to really make this state a better place to live, educate and raise a family. As an educator, I believe that a good education is one of the only things that the "state" should be required to provide its youth citizenry. Thomas Jefferson would agree with me. I believe that the Republican Party has failed to provide sufficient funding for schools, all while expecting quality results. I'm not talking about teacher pay, I knew that I was never going to make good money being a school teacher, especially in Utah. I don't want the money as much as I want to make the difference. I'll be the first to tell you that our Utah schools are grossly underfunded; our art, drama, science, and history departments rarely have the opportunity to do any activities and/or research outside of the classroom. I don't even have a projector to do power point presentations, and as such I get three's and fours on my evaluations instead of fives, which is always nice. Glenn Weigh and Mike Morley both told me they are "all about" public education, yet Moron Morley has done everything in his power to funnel public ed money into the unqualified and unchecked charter school arena, all while expecting me to produce higher test results in the public classroom! Not to mention he blindfolds the public into believing that he's Mr. Education. Give me a break! For some reason Morley believes that as a "public" ed teacher I'm more interested in teaching kids how to put condoms on cucumbers than I am about teaching them US History. It may or may not be true, but that's how I feel. Tell me folks, how can the State of Utah expect to provide a world class education for our kids when we are dead last in funding? It's insane! Most teachers still do a great job, yet many great teachers have left for Wyoming and Nevada to make almost twice the booty. Although I dislike Obama and the DNC, I locally endorsed Debbie Swenson because I believe she would have done what was best for the general population and put the Utah Legislature back in check with the public. I've never voted a straight party ticket in my life and you should do the same. I hope Debbie runs again, I will support her 100% if she does.
I enjoyed reading your post! I wish people wouldn't vote straight Republican OR Democrat. In Illinois...they vote straight Democrat...they even gave me a "sample" ballot as I went into vote...all candidate marked were democrats. So, I think this is a problem in a lot of states...not just Utah. Hopefully that makes you feel a little bit better? Enjoy your caffeine:)
My IN-LAWS were some of those that thought Obama had terrorist ties...they would send me forwards after forwards until I wrote them back and said that I liked him and would probably vote for him. I ended up changing my mind and supporting McCain but for my own reasons. Sometimes, I just don't get people.
Unfortunately, I don't see anything but a 2 party system in our future.
I just want you to know that I did not vote a straight ballot. I did vote for McCain, but felt like I had to, because the real person I wanted to vote for didn't stand a chance. Does that make me a wimp? I was really hoping to see one Democrat in particular win in Utah County, but no.
I think the real problem is that people just aren't educated about politics. That's how I've been. I feel like they're so over my head that when I really listen and try to understand I just get confused. I need politics for dummies.
I'll admit that I'm a little nervous about Obama. I think he'll be a refreshing change, but after hearing him say (speaking of abortion) that if his daughters made a mistake (got pregnant), that they shouldn't be punished with a baby, I was a little irate. I just pray that his victory speach was sincere and he'll truly do what he says.
I wholeheartedly agree that the country (not just Utah) needs to be more evenly spread between a few parties and not just red and blue. It looks as though it might be going that way slowly though.
On a happier note, I can't even say how relieved I am that prop 8 passed. That one really had me nervous.
Thanks for voicing your opinion. Oh, and here's an article that I think you might like to read.
http://www.donjarvis.org/?page_id=11
I loved reading this Laura and totally know how you feel. My sister had a similar experience with her six year old son and it was so sad.
I walked out of the polls to see a member of my ward who said to me "Isn't it nice to be able to just vote Republican and be done with it?" I wonder what he would have done if I told him I voted for Obama.
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