Michael, my understanding from the local broadcast last evening regarding the state law (I live in PB County) states two separate facts.
First, it states that, as originally written, that the ballot holes ought to be to the right of the names with all of the guys lined up. That is how it was originally designed for a paper balloting process where one could write their choice on the right side of the page.
Second, and this came later when machines were introduced into the process, is that reasonable changes could be made to the ballot so that it could be accommodated and used in a paper-machine counting process. Those changes that are reasonable are reviewed by both parties, state officials (which are Democrats at nearly every level except for the governorship) and others, at every level, before being approved.
The issue about what is reasonable apparently has been discussed in years past and accepted, since the practice keeps being repeated. A new interpretation can always be offered, but it is clear that depending on whom you ask, you will have a partisan opinion that will never be settled.
To suggest that the outcome is illegal at this stage is somewhat self-serving, especially since everyone participated in the process and this would not be an issue if there were not a close vote. Can you imagine what this would do the country if we legally challenged every precinct's election and turnout, shuffling of people by cab to the booth, giving cigarettes for votes, and on and on and on? What a disaster...
My only suggestion is that we learn from this experience and incorporate the necessary modifications for the next go around. |
