BBV: NM voting (state education amendment) generates confusing results

[LearnedHand]

Forgive me for not being able to give more information about our voting machines, but (hangs head in shame) I was unable to vote in this ballot because of my schedule. However, we seem to be seeing a Floridization happening here. Please keep your eyes on your local elections!


<snip>
Dona Ana County early Friday reported the returns from 27 of 110 uncounted ballots, and tossed out an additional 17 as ineligible, leaving 66 provisional ballots still to be counted. Valencia County on Friday released the results of its 107 provisional votes and other changes to its election-night figures.
Overall, 14 counties reported changes in their numbers Thursday. Curry and Quay counties were among those that released final, unofficial numbers Friday. Before Friday's additions, the amendment was trailing by just two votes statewide.

<snip>
"It's such a tight race. We want to make sure the provisional ballots are legal and that every legal vote is counted," said Shawn Sullivan, deputy executive director of the state Republican Party, which helped lead an effort against the measure.
Representatives will oversee canvassing in at least Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Sandoval and Chaves counties, Sullivan said. Bernalillo County is critical because of the high number of uncounted ballots, he said, while the other counties are of concern because of changes reported in vote totals Wednesday.

more...

[duhneece]

1. From an Otero County resident

Thank you for bringing this up. I still don't understand. How do you see it?

[LearnedHand]

2. Don't know.

All I know is the Repukes mobilized their forces. I understand there are legitimate objections to the POINT of Amendment 2 (take money from the permanent fund), but I'm worried that this election is yet another attempt to screw the returns.

If you had an opportunity to vote, what voting machines were used?

[Gloria]

3. Dona Ana Cty. resident here.....well, I don't know what machine I voted on

it had two buttons and a third at the bottom to record the vote.

My freeper mother says Richardson is trying to steal the election (LOL)
I do know that the guy who heads the office -- Ceballo -- has been in all sorts of hot water. He was temporarily removed last election (2002) and replaced with a guy named Martinez...supposedly a Dem, but more like a Republican. I volunteered at Dem Hdqtrs and they were always down there at the election office checking up on names, etc. keeping a close eye.

In 2000, if you recall, Dona Ana was also a county where it took forever to get counted and ultimately, it went to Gore, but very close.

I recall voting and walking in and seeing the guts of a voting machine sitting on the ground. A repair guy picked it up, put it in the machine, and then I was supposed to vote! I asked them where all the votes had gone that had already been cast using that machine???? No answer!!

Also, this time, the usual voter roll books weren't there...the ones where you sign. They didn't ask for any ID at all. I could have pretended I was my neighbor and voted! I asked them about this and a woman said she had never seen any signature books AND that it was all on "trust." I nearly blew my top!!!!

On top of that, stories in the paper that they can't get qualified poll watchers. Last time I voted it looked like a few sleepy teenagers who had no interest in what was going on.!

I am pretty bugged about this. I see no interest on the part of Dems here in getting a paper trail either.

[LearnedHand]

4. I mentioned the BBV issue to a LWV member in Bernalillo Cty...

...and she'd never heard of it! She said they are involved in inspecting or specifying the voting machines for NM, but she knew nothing of the other.

Oh, man, we need to educate Richardson on this! Maybe HE would insist our machines offered paper receipts.