Molly Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 After seeing what I did today, I think Scrutineers are definitely needed at the advance polls. There a gentleman there to vote, but he didn't even know his name. I'm very serious. Then he showed his ID, filled out the sheet and were getting him to sign it, when he asked who's name that was he was signing for. When they told him the name, he didn't know who that was, and understand that it was him. Then he started asking who he should vote for, and the EC person at the table started advising him of the party's platforms! Then when he was at the voting "booth", he complained that he couldn't read the ballot, and asked the same EC official to come and do it for him. And she did. As for the lineups, I saw none. Me and the guy I mentioned above. That's what makes that discussion of dementia and voting a conversation worth having... though it fell on its face right off the top. The situation you describe- sounds like the DRO did a pretty good job of sticking to what the law demands. Not perfect, but not bad, either. A valid, appropriately-intended attempt. It's a tough spot to be in. Literally, you cross your fingers and hope the elector comes up with some lucidity, and you do what they want/need you to do. Voters and their ballots are sacred. (That one sounds like a call for police/healthcare intervention -pick one- would have been a good idea, too.) Elections Canada officials, though, do not get to assess the mental fitness of electors, even when it's an issue. I'd just as soon keep it that way. Quote "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" — L. Frank Baum "For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," -- Goodale
Bryan Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 The situation you describe- sounds like the DRO did a pretty good job of sticking to what the law demands. You think so? I thought I was witnessing some pretty serious violations. Quote
Michael Hardner Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 You think so? I thought I was witnessing some pretty serious violations. What violations did you witness ? Quote Click to learn why Climate Change is caused by HUMANS Michael Hardner
Bryan Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 What violations did you witness ? The EC staffer advising the voter on who to vote for, and physically helping them vote. Quote
Molly Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) The EC staffer advising the voter on who to vote for, and physically helping them vote. This isn't quite the optimum source, but... http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&document=jun2504&dir=spe〈=e "... Voters who have difficulty marking their ballots may be accompanied behind the voting screen by a friend or relative who can help them. Otherwise, voters may ask the deputy returning officer for assistance. Anyone assisting a voter is required by law to preserve the secrecy of the vote. Except for the deputy returning officer, a person may help only one elector to vote..." Edited April 26, 2011 by Molly Quote "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" — L. Frank Baum "For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," -- Goodale
Molly Posted April 26, 2011 Report Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) Advising him about party platforms was the part I'd call a lapse of judgement and of law, but the spirit of providing neutral, 'whatever you need' help was maintained (or so your comments seemed to suggest). Physically assisting those who ask for help is part of the job. Edited April 26, 2011 by Molly Quote "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" — L. Frank Baum "For Conservatives, ministerial responsibility seems to be a temporary and constantly shifting phenomenon," -- Goodale
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