Paper Ballots

[QueenAdrock]

So I was volunteering for phonebanking yesterday and was talking to some of my fellow Democrats before we started. They told me that you are able to get paper ballots if you ask for them at the polling places, that they'll have them there for your use if you wish to use them instead of electronic voting. I'm not sure if this is specific to the state of Maryland, and it was definitely the first time I've heard about it.

I think on polling day, I'll ask them for a paper ballot alternative and see if it's true. If any of you are also more comfortable with a paper trail as opposed to electronic voting, I suggest you see if you can do this as well.

[abcdefz]

Good info. (y)

I mailed my ballot in this weekend, for what it's worth.

[DroppinScience]

I think this thread should be stickied until the election. People should know about this.

[sam i am]

True story.

Paper trail to ensure accountability....until they take the paper ballots and have "hanging" chads and "pregnant" chads, etc.

:p ;)

[QueenAdrock]

MARYLAND LAW ALLOWS ANYONE TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR ANY REASON

Up to November 8th, actually. You can walk in, ask for an absentee ballot, fill it out and turn it in. It's called "No-Fault absentee voting" and everyone should definitely look into it for the state they live in.

[sam i am]

MARYLAND LAW ALLOWS ANYONE TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR ANY REASON

Up to November 8th, actually. You can walk in, ask for an absentee ballot, fill it out and turn it in. It's called "No-Fault absentee voting" and everyone should definitely look into it for the state they live in.

But will they count all those votes?

I believe, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but those ballots are subject to greater scrutiny : i.e., validation of residency, legal challenges, etc. that votes made in person are not subject to.

[Documad]

MARYLAND LAW ALLOWS ANYONE TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR ANY REASON

Up to November 8th, actually. You can walk in, ask for an absentee ballot, fill it out and turn it in. It's called "No-Fault absentee voting" and everyone should definitely look into it for the state they live in.
It seems very odd that you can vote after election day. I wouldn't count on that. In some states, no fault absentee voting means that you don't need a reason to vote absentee, but there are often deadlines so that you have to get absentee ballots in earlier than when the polls close -- sometimes days earlier. But I have no idea what the law is in Maryland or anywhere else.

I won't give anyone election advice so don't take my comments as advice. It's a felony to intentionally give bad advice and I'm not giving advice at all, muchless intentionally bad advice, thank you.

[Echewta]

Do you have so show an I.D. to vote Absentee?

[sam i am]

Do you have so show an I.D. to vote Absentee?

No. They mail it to your address and ASSUME you're who you say you are. You DO have to request one, though.

I know a few Democrats in California who got absentee ballots for their dogs....just out of spite, they voted for Republicans:eek: :p