Absentee Ballot Postage = Poll Tax

[Dems2002]

I work in politics in California and so have become familiar with the Absentee Ballots in many counties. (The rules are different in everyone)

Here's what I have learned:

San Francisco -- Postage Paid

Alameda County -- Postage required -- This year's ballot needs TWO stamps

Ventura County -- Postage required -- This year's ballot needs THREE stamps (However, the County has struck a deal with the post office and offered to pay the additional postage on any ballots without enough)

This should be illegal. We cannot charge people to vote. Heck, it's not just charging people to vote, if they are disabled and home bound, where are they going to get the stamps?

We can do something about this. If Ventura County can strike a deal with the post office, so can every county in the country. NO one's ballot should be rejected due to insufficient postage.

Please, call your County Supervisors and ask them to look into this and change the law...Frankly, the Federal Goverment should pick up the tab.

Best,

Dems

[flpoljunkie]

1. I totally agree. The government ought to be in the business of encouraging voting, rather than

seemingly making it more difficult every year.

[beyurslf]

2. For those on the permanent disability list, I can see why it should be postage paid.

But others have plenty of other ways to vote, at least here. Our polls opened 2 and half weeks ago. You don't HAVE to mail in your ballot--you can do it in person and not have to purchase a stamp. Unless, my gas for driving over there counts as a tax? :)

[BlueStateModerate]

3. Please...

It's a dollar. I'm pretty certain that absolutely anyone can afford that, and if not, they still have the right to vote in person. I'm going to file this one under my "not a big deal" file.

[BlueStateModerate]

4. Sorry - double post

[silverojo]

5. That's where volunteers come in

<< Heck, it's not just charging people to vote, if they are disabled and home bound, where are they going to get the stamps? >>

My aunt is in hospice care, and the rest of us have health issues, too. Our local Dem Party is sending someone out to pick up our absentee ballots. No postage or transportation costs necessary. :)

Anyone else in this situation, call your local Democratic Party. They'll be glad to help!

[JeffR]

6. Those of us who vote from abroad

Have always had to pay postage. Can't say I mind, even though my bank account's essentially 0.00 at the moment.

[Infinite Hope]

7. Agreed. I think Minnesota pays postage. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

8. Yep! Alameda county here.....had to "weight" my envelope

and realize that it was .63 cents! I grumbled that this really should be "postage Paid"....to which my husband responded, "they don't give a shit if you vote or don't vote". He's right, of course!