From At least 42 percent of Pierce voters had turned in ballots by Saturday:
Statewide, as of Friday, about 1.7 million of the more than 4.2 million ballots sent had been returned by mail or drop box.
>
> Record turnout for the state came during the 2008 election, when 84.6 percent of voters participated. In 2012, turnout was 81.3 percent.
>
> While election analysts across the country dissect early voting patterns in various states, the effect is muted in Washington, one of only three states that vote entirely by mail, along with Oregon and Colorado.
>
> That means no long lines at polling places and no corresponding legal tussles over access to polling places.
Seriously, this is the way it should be everywhere in America. Everyone gets an voter information pamphlet and ballot mailed to them. You drop off your ballot at a central location free of charge or you mail it for the cost of first class postage. No finding your polling place or waiting in line for hours on end, as some people are reportedly doing in other states.
The result? People actually vote. During the last couple of Presidential elections, Pierce County had above 80% participation of registered voters. This means just about everyone who wants to vote is voting and there’s little stopping the other 20% from turning in their ballot.
Can someone tell me why more states aren’t looking to implement similar systems? I mean, beyond the obvious, rhetorical reasons.
Leave a Reply