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October 26, 2004
Fancy Absenteeism
Even wondered how low-tech we can seem in a high-tech society?
Three words: wire punching tool.
This weekend my friend Marian, who attends Penn State University, visited home. In doing so, she got to rake through her mail and she got her absentee ballot.
With explicit instructions, as seen below, the "wire punching tool" was included in the envelope to ensure her vote was properly marked and could be counted.
I'm really glad they didn't invest tax dollars into making anything fancier than a bent paperclip. Can you imagine having that job--bending all the paperclips and stuffing them in these envelopes?
Oww!
Posted by KarissaKilgore at October 26, 2004 9:22 AM
Comments
You think that's bad... you should see the absentee ballots in Florida.. they just send you a nail file to sharpen your fingernail with so you can jab it through the paper!
Posted by: Mike Rubino at October 26, 2004 10:02 AM
Did this picture come directly from your friend, or a "friend of a friend"? It sounds like an internet hoax...
Mike, I wrote something about the Palm Beach 2000 ballot four years ago...
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/design/usability/use-ballot.htm
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at October 26, 2004 2:45 PM
Definetly NOT a hoax! I was there when the picture was taken!!! We laughed about it and then I said those fatal words: "I'm blogging this."
And here it is for your enjoyment... our governement at work ;)
Posted by: Karissa at October 26, 2004 4:15 PM
It is interesting to note that step 1 says to circle a number. Maybe a later step says what to do with the "wire punching tool".
I Googled for absentee ballot wire punch and found a county that sends you a wire punch and a styrofoam backer!
http://www.co.sangamon.il.us/election/Absentee.htm
Posted by: rosemary at October 26, 2004 4:27 PM
HA HA!
Posted by: Neha at October 27, 2004 12:46 AM
...and look at the example, with Abraham Lincoln marked! This ballot is biased towards northern Republicans! ;)
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at October 27, 2004 10:06 AM
Maybe they just feel bad that Lincoln was assassinated...? Just a thought...
Posted by: Karissa at October 27, 2004 5:02 PM
I always liked the uber-thin red #2 pencil my old county included in the absentee ballot. Things are getting so decidedly high-tech...
Posted by: Julie at October 27, 2004 9:21 PM
My county sent a toothpick & styrofoam backer!
Posted by: Lora at October 31, 2004 11:18 PM
What county is this from? (Just when I think Greene county is bad, ya have to go and prove me wrong!) q:
Posted by: Evan at November 2, 2004 7:49 PM