|
| Internet Voting The following memo was sent to all California State Senators by Tom Barresi: March 14, 2001 I am a man who believes greatly in himself, and in his future. If this were not the case, I am certain, I would still be fumbling around the Crownsville State Mental Hospital , (1977), in Crownsville, Maryland, asking one of the attendants stupidly, why was there no blade in my razor? It is with this same sense of the future, that I am concerned about keeping the support of the California legislature flowing to the mentally ill, in the years to come. Knowing that the mentally ill vote may not be for everyone, I would like to outline a plan for those elected officials, for whom it may have some appeal. Last year, the state of California, under the guidance, and approval of the Secretary of State, Bill Jones formed the "California Internet Voting Task Force". Its main purpose was to see if the California public could one day; register to vote, and cast votes, over the "net". While we are not as far along in our study as some states, (Washington and Florida, for example), we are certainly far enough along to say that at some point in the future , (2-4 years, possibly), we, the mentally ill, could be voting simply and effectively in California , over the internet I feel our votes will rightfully go to legislators who have helped us in our "plight" , and who have done so without any fanfare. So, for example, when the Assemblyperson from Garden Grove helps us expand the psychiatric facility at UC Irvine, only the voting mentally ill shall really appreciate it, and as a result, the 15,000 Orange County votes from "us" will go to that politician in question. Like too, a complete examination of the mental health, living arrangements of Contra Costa County, by a simpatico Senator, would hopefully put 10,000 votes in his/her pocket, as a result of their combined efforts. Ironically, the implementation of this "dynamite" and "pro-disability user system", resides in the amending of election codes by you, the legislators, and an O.K. from Secretary Jones. Where I have tried, (in vain), to locate potential mentally ill voters, I merely now have to point out to them the easily accessible election computers, and let them do the registering and voting …themselves, on the spot. It is a win-win situation for all of us, and a sure-fire way to assure us, the mentally ill, that the good legislation we have come to enjoy, from all of you, will continue long into the future! In reality, my prediction of one year ago could feasibly come to pass. Mainly, in the larger counties of California, popular elections would not only be influenced by the mentally disabled vote; but possibly decided by such a vote. In politics, I'm sure, stranger things have happened! "I see no
future for their music....guitars are out". Regards, Note: Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by NAMI Santa Cruz County. |
|
Opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily reflect the views of NAMI Santa Cruz County, NAMI California or any affiliated organizations. We attempt to present a balanced perspective on issues by presenting multiple viewpoints. Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved. FAIR USE NOTICE: This may contain copyrighted (©) material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. |
