Only in America

[astroron]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7991480.stm

[marki]

I think we should probably do the same thing here Ron. At least the lower house would function better if all the representative were dead :P.

Mark

[Galactic G]

This thread could go places...

Only in America would you find the worlds biggest KFC logo. Visible from space this logo is made up of 65,000 1' x 1' tiles, taking over 3,000 hours to piece together.

Located in Area 51, just off the Extraterrestrial Hwy, there's not a KFC Restaurant in sight, so how will the aliens order their finger licking chicken?

Here it is in Google Maps http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&q=37.646069,-115.750709&ie=UTF8&ll=37.646061,-115.745494&spn=0.01451,0.033023&t=h&z=16

[AstralTraveller]

There are certainly a few polies who would be more popular with me if they were dead! Not that I'd vote for them dead or alive. No names, no further correspondence.:D

[ngcles]

Hi Ron, Marki & All,



Well in a roundabout way we do. In our electoral system we demand no proof of identity or proof of entitlement to vote. You just roll up to the booth, say a name and address and they hand you a ballot paper. Who here has ever been challenged over your identity or right to vote when you vote in an election?

As a result, in every State and Federal election for decades, thousands if not tens of thousands of dead voters (voters that the electoral commission have never been told are dead) climb from the grave and vote for live politicians. No one can prove who did it because no proof of identity is asked for. We've had several fairly close elections over the last 30 years in NSW and Australia -- how many were decided by "dead" Australians I wonder.:shrug:

Strange but true.


Best,

Les D

[astroron]

Hi Les, in the last Queensland election we where sent a form from the electoral office with your details on which had to be handed to the electoral officer which the portion with our details on it was matched with the details on the rolls then was crossed and given you back you.
It may go some way to cut down on electoral fraud:thumbsup:

[ngcles]

Hi Ron & All,



Maybe ... but probably not. At least in NSW the use of the form you mention was suggested but completely optional -- I haven't used it yet and I've never been questioned. The only thing it can prove, if you use it, is that you in fact voted if it was to be suggested you failed to do so.

At the last local government election, I went to a polling place about 5km from where I live and not one of few in between and I wasn't asked why.

I walked in, went to the appropriate desk (A-F) and simply said "Dalrymple".

The official behind the desk looked down the list and enquired "Leslie Roy"?

(Yes, its Roy ... embarrassing isn't it)

Yes I replied.

He read out my address to me. I nodded in assent. He then handed me a ballot and crossed me off.

How many times could I have voted I wonder? If it isn't mandatory for the quick to use the form then the dead don't have to either ...


Best,

Les D

[astroron]

They don't call NSW the bent state for nothing, at the moment it is a basket case:rolleyes:
In Queensland you can only vote in your electorate, otherwise you have to fill in forms and show some form of ID with your address on it.
My closest polling booth is in another electorate, the one I have to vote at is much further away:(
Would you rather the Chad:P:thumbsup:

[ngcles]

Hi Ron & All,



Same here in terms of voting within your electorate, but there are usually dozen(s) of booths within every electorate (State and Federal) and you don't have to vote at the closest to your home. Where I live in outer suburbia, there are 3 polling places within a comfortable 5 minute walk and more than 10 within 5 mins drive. It'd only take me an hour or so to vote a dozen times -- if I wanted to.

Sure they'd detect that my name had been crossed off the list more than once but if they then prosecute me, how do they go about proving it was me who did it? Similarly, if they somehow find a dead person has voted, how can they prove who did it for them if they don't ask for ID when you vote?:shrug: They can't.

Sure, if you are going to vote absentee in another electorate, you need to provide proof of identity.

Basket case? Without getting into politics or trying to divert the thread (a big no-no)-- :thumbsup:



Best

Les D

[astroron]

Enough said:thumbsup:

[Baddad]

Hey Guys,:)
One of the biggest flaws in the system is what you all have been discussing. Also consider that because it is secret ballot. There's almost no way of knowing which candidate was favoured by the multi vote or deceased.:doh:

It means it cannot be corrected and the corruption remains systemic.:doh:

I wonder why the pollies have not acted on photo ID? :confuse2:

Cheers Marty

[Garrybk]

Hi
I don't mean to interrupt your thread which has evolved into a discussion of possible flaws in the Australian political. I just want to comment on the original post about the Missouri voters electing a dead man. I'm sure that you may be aware that Americans aremostly very sarcastic. The voters wanted to show that they had more faith in the dead guy than any living politician. Americans can be very self centered, stubborn, sarcastic, patriotic bunch.

Garry:D
from the land up over

[Baddad]

Hey Garrybk, :)
Thanks for that.:):thumbsup:

I understand where you're coming from. That is quite interesting that it should happen. Sarcasm! So many wasted votes its sad.

People are obviously unhappy with the system. What system other than the vote is effective to select a leader?

I can't think of any.;)

Cheers Marty

[Garrybk]

Marty
Actually it wasn't a waste. The nomination of the dead man has caused the town to select a temporary mayor and they will have a special election in April,2010. I imagine then a living person will be elected. But I think the point was made.

Garry:hi:

But this an astronomy website so maybe I'll find an astronomy forum to play in. But this is fun,
Thanks
Garry