HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0061.011 2008-2010
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Testimony RE z J\/ED 1 / 2
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• I wish to testify 12HOO vo A NAPMail initiative
• To address the comifii(Mits itl people love getting
together at the polfiNfsia: H.UtN,q!!
o They can't be loving it too much since we have the
lowest voter turnout in the nation
• This measure will increase voter participation
o In the last election over 90% of the mailed out
ballots were returned
• I organized the campaign that got Permanent Absentee
Ballots incorporated into the law, but I did so only after I
was certain that there are indeed adequate safeguards in
place in the Office of Elections to ensure an honest vote
• I have also worked at the polls in two elections and I
want to tell you that it is hard work with long hours for
little pay and I had to get up at SAM, it is not fun and the
County has a hard time getting people to volunteer to do
it for these reasons. It would not break my heart to not
have to perform this job again!
• In order for this initiative to become law this year it is
imperative that
o the bill in the legislature use the current Absentee
Ballot mechanism already in place
o the bill does not request any additional funds and I
do not believe additional funds are necessary
o Otherwise the bill will not pass in this tight budget
legislative session
• I went to the Capitol on Opening Day and spoke with
Rep. Denny Coffman. He is willing to sponsor the
necessary legislation if the Council passes the resolution
• I also spoke with Sen Kokubun's office and he is willing
to review the drafted bill for possible sponsorship in the
Senate
• I urge you to vote in favor of this excellent idea; let's see if
we can both save some operating costs and increase
citizen participation in our democracy at the same time
Comm No.
Ref. To Ara
Ref. Date JAN 2 3 2009