Tuesday, November 07, 2006

The satisfying "kerchunk" of democracy

Have you voted today? Molly and I voted this morning, and did you know? Here in the North Country we are still using the old fashioned mechanical lever machines. I know optical scan combines a paper trail with great accessibility, but I just love the satisfying "kerchunk" of democracy.

5 comments:

Evelyn Brister said...

Don't you love how easy it is to use the mechanical machines? I don't know what the argument against them is. It's nice to be able to easily change your vote before you pull the lever. I suppose one argument against them is that if they fail, then a large number of a precinct's votes will be lost. But isn't that also a problem with some of the computerized machines?

And don't you love New York State's multi-party system? Democratic, Republican, Green, Working Families, Independent, Conservative, Libertarian, Socialist Workers, Socialist Equality, and the Rent Is Too High parties.

Rob Helpy-Chalk said...

Hey Evelyn, glad to see you here!

Everyone loves the mechanical machines. For all practical purposes, Oregon's vote by mail scheme works best, but the mechanical machines are so aesthetically pleasing.

Also, what is up with the "rent is too high" party?

listie said...

I,too, love the old fashioned voting machines and will miss them when they're gone. You're right; there's something very satisfying about pulling that lever and hearing my vote register in the machine.

Coffee-Drinking Woman said...

We've got the optical scans here - beware the errant pencil mark on your ballot, or you'll have to redo it!
(and, of course I voted!)

Anonymous said...

Is there going to be a recount again? or did the Democrats win the senaat?