A friendly reminder: Please vote.

[Specineff]

Don't want to stir the pot, or influence anyone. Just to remind you all here in the USA to let your voice be heard, even if it's for "none of the above". Take it from someone who lived in a country where the elections were rigged and stolen for years. You youngsters don't know how good you have it these days, and I mean it seriously.

Thanks, and keep on shmupping.

[chempop]

Take it from someone who lived in a country where the elections were rigged and stolen for years.

I also live in the USA

[opt2not]

As a Canadian, married to an American, I personally have a vested interest in the outcome.

Good luck from your northern cousins!
Winter is coming.

[Friendly]

As a Canadian, married to an American, I personally have a vested interest in the outcome.

Why, do you think you'll be deported back to Canada if Romney wins?

[Specineff]

I also live in the USA

I lived in Mexico during my childhood and teen years, that's what I was referring to.

[opt2not]

As a Canadian, married to an American, I personally have a vested interest in the outcome.

Why, do you think you'll be deported back to Canada if Romney wins?

Well we live in Canada, so deportation is not even possible.
No, I'm more interested in what becomes of the Oil Pipeline from here to the States (do we hold out for the USA, or go with China?). As a BC resident what the outcome of the gay-marriage and weed legalization will be and the impact on both the tourism and marijuana industries here. What happens to free-trade between our countries' symbiotic-relationship. USA and Canada are tightly entwined in our economy that this election (as well as Canadian elections, even though no one in America really cares about what goes on up here) effects more than just the American peoples.

Anyway, not to get off track, please vote!
My wife is sending in her absentee ballot from up here, at least you guys can do it locally...

[Hagane]

I lived in Mexico during my childhood and teen years, that's what I was referring to.

I think he means there have been rigged elections in the US too (Bush jr. comes to mind).

[Ed Oscuro]

Votevotevotevoteovote


Hagane: Some people suspect certain members of the court knew the stakes and didn't care about following procedure correctly, but what happened was the confluence of a rare number of different parts of the government coming together and making a muddle, rather than something systematically wrong with the system. It hadn't been forced to come out that way up to that point - the ballots were contested to begin with. Some people blame the Gore campaign's head lawyer to that Court for not making a stronger appeal for their case.

According to this, "[The United States is] the only country with partisan election officials." That could definitely be improved. So could the electoral college system (which is arguably anti-democratic), which is what gives Obama a more decisive edge than the overall polling indicates.

You got problems? We got votes! What really matters is everybody voting, because you can pick up slack from the system or step in for somebody else's uncounted votes. There will probably be a lot of court challenges after the election (there have already been a lot of court challenges before voting, or with regard to early voting) - but if you don't vote, nobody can help make sure your vote is counted!

[KAI]

The answer: make voting mandatory, and forget all that individual freedom crap.

[njiska]

The answer: make voting mandatory, and forget all that individual freedom crap.

My problem is that every election the whole of the US (and other countries too) browbeat everyone with the message that they all need to vote, but the fact of the matter is that if you don't know who you're voting for and why you'e voting for them (real reasons, not "Republicans/Democrats are evil" posturing), then you're capable of doing great harm. If you don't follow politics and don't care, then don't vote. It's better for everyone if voters are informed and care, rather than voting for the candidate that looks the cutest because they were forced into a polling booth.

[GaijinPunch]

I shot a pellet into the asteroid yesterday. My vote is on it's way to Texas, and I'm 100% sure it won't even be counted, even though it will surely make it there on time.

[BulletMagnet]

The answer: make voting mandatory, and forget all that individual freedom crap.

I think a more feasible first step would be declaring Election Day a national holiday, and give more people a better opportunity to make it to the polls (and actually send a message that their vote is worth something, as opposed to "that thing you might want to do on your lunch break, if you remember...and don't have extra emails to send").

Oh, and actually let D.C. residents vote too, while we're at it.

[Ed Oscuro]

If you don't follow politics and don't care, then don't vote. It's better for everyone if voters are informed and care, rather than voting for the candidate that looks the cutest because they were forced into a polling booth.

I agree with this. Hopefully our voters can get some time in to do some cramming!

Michigan's ballot proposals are somewhat complicated this year.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/State ... 5801_7.pdf

Proposal #1 reaffirms the Emergency Manager law of 2011, but it seems to conflict with Constitutional Amendment Proposal #2, which would affirm the right to collective bargaining in the state Constitution. Proposal #1 would affirm the power of an emergency manager to unilaterally void contracts and skip the collective bargaining process, if taken by itself. One thing that voters should be aware of is that collective bargaining rights do not necessarily lock in the power of unions to a specific wage; all it does is allow them to work together in the bargaining process. They can still be forced to accept lower wages. My concern about #2 is related to these concerns, however - it might give unionized city government workers the most privileged position in relation to all the other potential interests that might be impacted by budget cuts. A little voice in my ear seems to be saying "but how is that a problem - if you didn't unionize, don't expect to reap the benefits of their work." But I mean interests including how much funds are available for services and the like.

Proposal #3 would require Michigan utilities to provide 25% of their energy from clean sources by 2025, with no more than 1% annual rate hikes to pay for it. The utilities state that this might lock them in to uncompetitive power generation liabilities. My concern is that with Michigan's higher than average rates on electricity (highest in the Midwest, higher than national average), it might allow the utilities some cover to lock in to the current prices with 1% increases, or to overcharge for power based on the new "clean" energy sources compared to what they could be charging. It also provides a target that some might see as too low for 2025. I think that if the utilities' costs increase, they will find other ways of getting past caps, so it appears that aside from the clean energy portion, there isn't much upside to this for consumers - but the bottom line affecting Michigan businesses and consumers, expensive energy, is probably best addressed by other legislation entirely. Given that the utilities are charging higher than average, it seems a bit safer to discard their claims that they would be locked in to a lower rate. But there might be some unique situations to the Michigan rates to begin with. I am generally not thrilled with "fracking" technology, so mandating power generation from other sources might help keep Michigan on track to reduce its already severe pollution problems.

Constitutional Amendment Proposal #4 is similar to Proposal #2 in that it addresses the right of collective bargaining, for "in-home care workers." It also requires these workers be trained, and that patients may preserve their right for in-home care. It also allows the "Michigan Quality Home Care Council" to set minimums for employment. The Council would apparently be a governmental organization. For people who like the idea of living out one's final days with dignity, this one seems like a good choice. Concerns would address costs.

Constitutional Amendment Proposal #5 would "require a 2/3 majority vote of the State House and the State Senate, or a statewide vote of the people at a November election" to "impose new or additional taxes."

Constitutional Amendment Proposal #6 would "require the approval of a majority of voters" statewide "and in each municipality" where an international crossing (a bridge or a tunnel) is proposed to be built. The background of this is that the current Ambassador Bridge, dating to 1929, is owned by a local Detroit family of Lebanese descent. Influence in the Michigan legislature has allowed votes on the proposed bridge to be stymied by Republican ally Speaker Jase Bolger, and this amendment is meant to create a final roadblock against such a bridge. Canada and the Federal government have proposed taking on all costs of the bridge for Michigan taxpayers, contrary to allegations of the bridge owners and their allies. The only liability for Michigan residents might be the possible enactment of a bridge toll, which seems like a reasonable suggestion of reimbursement for getting a free new bridge. CLICK HERE!1 FOR YOUR FREE NEW BRIDGE

Michigan's Governor, Rick Snyder, opposes all four proposed Constitutional amendments.

[mesh control]

Minnesota has a very scary amendment this year:




PURE HATRED is why I'm voting.

[Domino]

WTF! That kid is smoking some good shit. The guy considers Marriage to be a government issue. Focus on other important things.

[GaijinPunch]

I'd hold a sign that says "I voted no b/c I know how to read, and have done so w/ the constitution... not to mention I believe in human rights."

[SuperPang]

Anyone here voting for Romney or do you all live in the parts of America with 3-figure IQs?

[CIT]

Well, I don't live in the States anymore, so I obviously voted for Obama.

Sent my ballot in two weeks ago. There was about a dozen proposals to amend the state constitution on there as well – I voted down every one of them out of principle. Are these bullshit amendends just a Florida thing, or does every state have them?

[rancor]

Anyone here voting for Romney or do you all live in the parts of America with 3-figure IQs?

The people voting for Romney are either:

1. white people over 65 years old who are afraid of "losing their country"
2. millionaires
3. fundamentalist Christians
4. struggling with an I.Q. less than 80

Of course it is possible to hit all four, but I wouldn't say that a significant portion of the forums hits any of those points.

[null1024]

I early voted. I do get an overwhelming feeling that it doesn't really matter.
Ah well, as long as Romney doesn't get in. I don't exactly like Obama, but eh. I couldn't bring myself to vote for a third party [especially since I'm actually pretty sure they wouldn't be able to get shit done even if they did win somehow].

also, what the hell Minnesota

[Friendly]

I think tonight Mitt "I am indeed a crook" Romney will go the way of the Palin.

[antron]

"Governor" Romney was a good guy who did some cool stuff in Massachusetts, like guarantee health insurance to everyone in the state. Too bad that guy sold his soul to the national Republican party.

And for those not familiar with our voting system, and see headlines stating it's a close race, don't be fooled. It's a state by state winner take all and the lay this year is all but giving it to Obama.

Watch him climb: http://www.intrade.com/v4/misc/scoreboard/

[Domino]

The people voting for Romney are either:

1. white people over 65 years old who are afraid of "losing their country"
2. millionaires
3. fundamentalist Christians
4. struggling with an I.Q. less than 80

Of course it is possible to hit all four, but I wouldn't say that a significant portion of the forums hits any of those points.

Also add in Obamacare. Everyone's health insurance is going up in 2013 (mines included). Too much regulations and fee increases due to Obamacare (it's terrible if you run a small business because it will hurt your profits). If there's one thing that hurts small businesses the worse it is regulation.

[Acid King]

Voting? Seriously?

[Ed Oscuro]

Also add in Obamacare. Everyone's health insurance is going up in 2013 (mines included). Too much regulations and fee increases due to Obamacare (it's terrible if you run a small business because it will hurt your profits). If there's one thing that hurts small businesses the worse it is regulation.

I can't believe the ER isn't an insurance plan! *girly scream*

I looked up the four candidates for Regent at U of M that are Democrat or Republican - found this for anybody who's interested:
http://www.annarbor.com/news/university ... ents-race/

Diggs seems like a good person but doesn't know enough of the details. I'm sure she could get up to speed. Horning (R) has some specific ideas and priorities that are interesting (keeping college costs sustainable) but I'm not sure all of that will be stuff he could tackle through his portfolio. He has a position against student employees unionizing. I will likely vote Bernstein (D) and Horning (D) for a useful mix of priorities. Diggs would be a good complement to Bernstein but I wish she gave more evidence of knowing the finances of the institution. Still, probably wouldn't be a bad choice.

[CMoon]

Just another opportunity to point out how shit the electoral college is. Voting would feel a lot more important if every vote actually counted.

[GaijinPunch]

Also add in Obamacare. Everyone's health insurance is going up in 2013 (mines included). Too much regulations and fee increases due to Obamacare (it's terrible if you run a small business because it will hurt your profits). If there's one thing that hurts small businesses the worse it is regulation.

You have been and would have continued to get butt fucked in the health care realm due to the ridiculously litigious nature of America. Fix that, health costs go down. File that under regulations if you will, but as long as the cost is sky high, and the insurance companies can selectively drop people, the government needs to jump in and set a bare minimum of just how shitty the lowest rung of the ladder will be treated.

I'll agree, regulation sucks. However, most people are fucktards and/or crooks. Regulation is necessary.

Just another opportunity to point out how shit the electoral college is. Voting would feel a lot more important if every vote actually counted.

Has anyone ever proposed ditching that bullshit get up? It's worse than Japan's election process, and that's hilarious!

[antron]

Has anyone ever proposed ditching that bullshit get up? It's worse than Japan's election process, and that's hilarious!

Al Gore has, lol. Maybe to be joined someday by Mitt Romney.

But seriously, Gore's quick fix is for the last states to log their delegates throw the election for the popular vote winner, bypassing the college.

[DEL]

In Sales, this particular 'vote' would be known as 'an alternate close'. ie. A Yes or a Yes. You're between a rock and a hard place. Both candidates are members of the same club.
The Illusion of Choice.
GaijinPunch wrote;

I shot a pellet into the asteroid yesterday. My vote is on it's way to Texas, and I'm 100% sure it won't even be counted, even though it will surely make it there on time.

Yes, and that's the other factor.
Research Collectivism for details.

[GaijinPunch]

It won't be counted b/c it will arrive a day or so late, although it's allowed to be there up to 5 days late. When I say it won't be counted, I mean it won't be tallied. Romney will take Texas by a landslide, so they will not even bother w/ the absentee votes.