LETTERS

Improve voter turnout

Posted 3/24/16

To the Editor:

Because voter turnout has been historically low, primaries and caucuses are not a good way to determine a political party’s nominee for president of the United States when there …

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LETTERS

Improve voter turnout

Posted

To the Editor:

Because voter turnout has been historically low, primaries and caucuses are not a good way to determine a political party’s nominee for president of the United States when there are four or more quality candidates. In early voting, it is impossible for any candidate to get over 50 percent of the vote.

A computerized system where primary and caucus voters could cast their votes using their smart phones would be better. As each vote is being cast, a photo could be taken and the voter’s thumbprint scanned to make sure the vote is valid. Votes could be cast at home, at work (including military and overseas personnel) and at any hour of the day. No mail-in ballots, absentee ballots, voting districts or voting district personnel would be needed. Voters could caucus using their Twitter accounts in caucus states while at home or at work. The results of each election would be known in a matter of minutes and voter turnout would greatly increase. Voting in presidential elections could be held in the similar manner.

Kenneth Berwick

Smithfield

Comments

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  • CTwildheart

    What about people who don't have smart phones or computers in their homes? Not everyone has or has access to these items, despite popular belief. We still need the physical voting booths, at least.

    But I do agree that online voting is the way to go, now and in the future.

    Saturday, March 26, 2016 Report this

  • Ken B

    Having and knowing how to use a smart phone is essential in today’s rapidly changing world. Low income adults should just be given a recycled smart phone and trained to use it.

    Saturday, March 26, 2016 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    The time has come to require passage of a civics test to be able to vote. Make sure the test is in English, is an essay test so it can be subjective, and if you don't own property worth over $100,000 you cannot take the test. Let's return to some real old fashioned values and make Amerika great again.

    Monday, March 28, 2016 Report this

  • HerbTokerman

    The electronic machines we have now have been proven that they can easily be hacked.

    In other states, there have been more votes registered on electronic voting machines than there were registered voters in the district, researchers proved that results could be altered after the vote has taken place with no trace of the tampering.

    At least in RI we have paper ballots that could be used to validate the results of the electronic machines in the event a recount is needed.

    .

    If you want elections to be more rigged than they are already, online voting would be great.

    Monday, March 28, 2016 Report this

  • Ken B

    The point is to get more voter participation. A photo and thumb print identification seems foolproof to me. I would think that it would be very hard to hack into a system that is in operation for only one day. 80% turnout might be possible.

    Monday, March 28, 2016 Report this