More Ballot Design Challenges in Ohio?
A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about some counties in Ohio that split the presidential contest into two columns on their paper ballots. We noted that this kind of split has caused problems for voters in the past.
More recently we've found out that some counties that use touch screen machines have split the presidential contest onto two pages -- meaning on the first screen voters might see Barr and Nader, and on the second screen McCain and Obama. For reasons explained in a memo we sent to county officials, that's likely to confuse and frustrate a fair number of voters. So far we have confirmed that Portage (home of Kent State), Hancock, and Wayne Counties have split the presidential contest this way. Others like Montgomery, Stark, and Butler Counties have managed to get the presidential contest (eight candidates and a write-in slot) onto one screen.
We've asked officials to change this ballot to make sure all candidates for the same office are on the same screen -- or, short of that, to make sure there is good public education at the polls to reduce voter confusion and frustration.
Changing the ballot definition might not be possible unless they do it in-house (the vendor doesn’t do it for them)… it might also, depending on the system invalidate any L&A;testing that has been performed on the machines.
This election day, consumers who benefit and depend upon the privilege and the availability of payday loans for unexpected emergency expenses must speak up. You have a chance to say your piece and voice your demand for financial freedom. Ohio’s HB 545 is not a Robin Hood that will “steal from the rich and give to the poor.” Instead, this is more like the Sheriff of Nottingham appointing more vassals, and this is what banks and credit unions are supporting. They’re aware that this proposal will leave many financial operations, such as payday loans and other lenders, vulnerable or out of business. This will allow banks and credit unions the opportunity to snatch up any business that’s left behind, and subject consumers to a product that will be even more profitable to banks: overdraft protection. A 391percent on faxless payday loans is nothing compared to an overdraft protection which typically costs in excess of 1,000 percent APR. So, which one’s the moneymaker? Keep in mind that payday loans are typically only two-week loans to begin with, so it’s an apple and orange argument. In addition, voting NO on HB 545 will save about 6,000 jobs in Ohio. Undoubtedly, many who might lose their jobs because of government overregulation will be forced to work and/ or live outside of Ohio. This means it will create a tax and spending power deficit for a state that is already suffering severe budget problems. Join in on the discussion and heed what people’s perspectives are on HB 545 on the blog at http://ideatreks.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/ohio-house-bill-545/. If you value the importance of financial freedom and you want to prevent further economic disaster, vote NO on HB 545.
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