In the Minnesota senate race, the names of rejected absentee ballot voters has been released by a judge, and Franken's team is contacting those people to let them know.
This is causing all sorts of recriminations and finger pointing and whining about "But it's a secret ballot!!!"
I just posted my response in the stat's largest newspaper, I hope it's well thought out.
Is this too wordy?
The judge released the names of the people who cast the rejected absentee ballots, not the ballot itself. It's a fine line, but a solid one. The "secret ballot" refers to the ballot itself.
In other words, what and who you voted for is secret, not the fact that you voted. The fact that you voted, or attempted to vote, is public to prevent duplication and to allow for verification.
Releasing the names of the voters whose absentee ballots were rejected does not benefit Franken's people more than Coleman's.
When either side informs the absentee voters that they were not counted, they do not know if those voters will vote for their candidate, they are just hoping the odds will be in their favor.
In excellent news, Tom got an job offer! At the Other University in town. He also had a great interview today (at a different place)
Wooot!!! Missed this news. Congrats Tom. Is he going to take it? To be decided? Are you guys celebrating this weekend?
Hippo birdies, Sparky!
What everbody else said, Steph. You have to do what you need to do, but not out of some perception of being "tiresome" here.
Congratulations and a big woot! for Tom!
And happy, happy, happy birthday to Sparky, who deserves all good things on her day (and every day).
{{{Karl}}}
{{{Tep}}}
That's all I've got, aside from way too much snow for November 21.
Happy birthday, Sparky!
Yay for car-having Joe!
Steph, feel free to whine all you want. FWIW, I didn't feel anything but, "Damn. Hope you're feeling better soon!"
My internal girly bits are still a little sore today. I am working from home today, yay. Also, I got the letter yesterday that I passed my portfolio! I knew I had, but still nice to see it in black and white. I am totally done on Dec. 3. SO FRIGGIN' EXCITED!
Also working on my final project for my YA class. Check out my work in progress blog (especially if you're a fan o' the graphic novel): [link]
You have to pick a book and then suggest 10 books you'd like if you liked that book. I'm doing an epidemic/apocalypse theme (book x is Y the Last Man).
Happy Birthday, Sparky! Don't know how I missed that.
Oh, Karl! That so majorly sucks! I hope you're able to find something to wisely use those spicy brains soon!
So, did I mention that on my way to an emergency appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday, I fell down the stairs and hurt my ankle. Now, it didn't blow up like CBD's ankle, so I thought, "You're just being a wimp! Deal!" So, I've been dealing. And now I can hardly walk. And I have to work this afternoon.
Now, I took yesterday off because of the emergency visit with my psychopharm, so when I e-mailed my boss to let her know my finals schedule, she e-mailed me back to ask if I would be in today. I said, "yes, but you should know that I'm limping because I'm an idiot and fell down the stairs." I was secretly hoping she'd say, "Oh, don't worry about coming in," but she hasn't, and I swear the ankle is getting worse. Just took more painkillers, but ugh. How am I going to chase preschoolers with a bum ankle. They better all behave today!
Do you have any athletic wrap, vw? Wrapping it can help.
Happy Birthday, Sparky!
Sox, not ignoring you just avoiding what I need to do first.
Job-ma for Karl and anti-anxiety-ma for Teppy.
Yays for Tom and job offers!!
