[EL] Absentee ballot rejection rates
Paul Gronke
paul.gronke at gmail.com
Fri Feb 14 09:50:54 PST 2014
Thanks Mike for the shout out. I don't want to go too in-depth into this, since it's a pretty complex topic. Let me just mention a few quick things that may be pertinent to the discussion:
The by-mail rejection rate is higher than the in-person rate. That's just a fact. Even the highest quality vote by mail systems (I'd put on that list Oregon, Washington, and some jurisdictions with very well developed systems such as Los Angeles County) cannot drive the rejection rate down to the rates of in-person voting systems. This has been shown multiple times and in multiple jurisdictions; consider my report written with Charles Stewart and James Hicks and available at the Presidential Commission's website (https://www.supportthevoter.gov/files/2013/09/Florida_Residual_Vote_report.pdf), or data available at Pew's Election Performance Index (http://www.pewstates.org/research/reports/elections-performance-index-85899445029).
The rejection rate can be improved, but I do not believe there will ever be a technological solution to simple human error--failure to sign properly on the security envelope (or use the security envelope at all), failure to fill out the ballot properly (there is no ballot reader to prompt a voter if she or he overvoted or made stray marks), or failure to put the ballot in the mail with sufficient time for it to be returned.
My own view is that this is a cost/benefit calculation, and the benefits for access to certain populations, and the benefit in turnout for certain elections and for certain subpopulations, may be deemed worthwhile given the higher cost in rejection rates. But let's not pretend that the rejection rates are not higher. They are and will be unless we can take humans out of the voting system. And that's not ever going to happen for obvious reasons (Isaac Asimov aside).
On turnout, we've had this discussion before, and I won't go into the boring details. Except for one recent piece, the consensus of the literature to this point is that voting by mail results in a small but statistically significant increase in turnout. There is evidence of larger turnout effects for some subpopulations and in some elections. There is no systematic evidence in state and local contests, where my own belief (and a project I hope to complete in the next year) is that the turnout effects are more substantial. In the interests of full disclosure, a recent paper by Barry Burden et al. out of University of Wisconsin actually shows lower turnout under "early voting" but does not discriminate between voting by mail and early in-person systems.
The short summary: claims of across the board, very large increases in turnout due to voting by mail are not sustained by the evidence. There are other good reasons to adopt voting by mail, but this is not one of them. The claim of "more inclusive" turnout via voting by mail is not supported by evidence I have seen to date.
On costs, it remains challenging to make definitive statements about election costs because of the way costs are reported. If, for instance, you use a local school, who "pays" for that school (facility maintenance, janitorial services, electricity and internet)? Compare to an non-governmental early in-person satellite facility that has an actual rental cost that appears on someone's budget. VBM requires new ballot processing systems, such as signature verification systems, but can save costs IF reductions are made in polling places. But will officials allow LEOs to reduce polling places? How do you forecast polling place needs with uncertainties about VBM turnout?
We don't know a lot, but I think most agree that FULL vote by mail, used in Oregon and Washington, costs less than the "mixed" systems they had before, with heavy use of no-excuse absentee balloting along with traditional polling place voting. Beyond that, there are just too many variations in place to make any sort of definitive statement about what is more or less expensive.
All of this is not meant to be any sort of duck. The reality is that elections systems are complex and interdependent, and global statements about what system will work best is almost always wrong, and has to take into account the diverse local jurisdictions, state election codes, and voting populations across the country.
---
Paul Gronke Ph: 503-517-7393
Fax: 503-661-0601
Professor, Reed College
Director, Early Voting Information Center
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland OR 97202
EVIC: http://earlyvoting.net
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On Feb 14, 2014, at 8:48 AM, Michael P McDonald <mmcdon at gmu.edu> wrote:
> Virginia was one of the states that we examined in our reliability analysis. I would be cautious about any absentee ballot acceptance rates reported by Virginia. Data on absentee ballot disposition are entered into the statewide system in a memo field, with no standardization. It was impossible for us to verify any absentee ballot statistic reported in the EAC or FVAP surveys since doing so required visually inspecting each record (we tried automation with little success). It's among the worst states in the country in terms of how it manages its backend absentee ballot reporting system. And I say this will all due respect to Virginia's election administrators. They privately tell me that they wish Virginia would provide more resources to update their election management infrastructure.
>
> Keep in mind, as I said before, Oregon only counts voters who request a mail ballot sent to an address other than their home address as an "absentee ballot." Maybe someone like Paul Gronke has statistics on Oregon's true mail ballot rejection rate that includes all mail ballots, not just the absentees. That statistic would be most relevant for those who advocate for adopting an all-mail ballot systems.
>
> ============
> Dr. Michael P. McDonald
> Associate Professor
> George Mason University
> 4400 University Drive - 3F4
> Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
>
> phone: 703-993-4191 (office)
> e-mail: mmcdon at gmu.edu
> web: http://elections.gmu.edu
> twitter: @ElectProject
>
> From: law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu [mailto:law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu] On Behalf Of Justin Riemer
> Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 11:00 AM
> To: dasmith
> Cc: law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
> Subject: Re: [EL] Law-election Digest, Vol 34, Issue 13
>
> Virginia's rejection rate for absentee ballots is low and has been in decline. In 2012, .5% of absentee ballots were rejected. In 2008, the rejection rate was 1.3%. I would bet that many of those ballots were rejected for reasons other than what Marc states. Here is a cite to a Pew snapshot for Virginia: http://www.pewstates.org/research/analysis/2012-election-snapshotvirginia-85899505867
>
> I'd like to note that Virginia's rejection rate is lower than vote by mail states Washington (1%) and Oregon (.7%). It is unfortunate for the .5% of voters that cannot follow instructions on how to properly vote and return an absentee ballot. I think we'd all like to see that number get to zero but given the logistics involved in voting by mail that will be impossible. There is no evidence that Virginia's requirements impose any greater burden in getting your absentee ballot counted than exists in other states. Sorry Marc, but I'll take my chances in Virginia.
>
> As an FYI: there is currently legislation proceeding in the VA General Assembly to amend statutory provisions that could lead to rejection of ballots for omission of including a middle name in the sworn affidavit completed by the voter. It has bipartisan support: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+SB333
>
> J Justin Riemer
>
> On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 10:04 AM, dasmith <dasmith at ufl.edu> wrote:
> andrew
> what evidence do you have that "Nearly all absentee ballots are accepted."?
> that is certainly not the case here in florida, where the rejection rate of absentee ballots cast by racial and ethnic minorities and younger voters is quite high.
> more here: http://electionsmith.wordpress.com/category/absentee-ballots/
> best,
> dan
>
> daniel a. smith, ph.d.
> professor & uf research foundation professor (2010-2012)
> associate chair (2014)
> coordinator, political science internship program
> department of political science
> 003 anderson hall | phone: 352-273-2346
> po box 117325 | fax: 352-392-8127
> university of florida | email: dasmith at ufl.edu
> gainesville, fl 32611-7325 | www.clas.ufl.edu/users/dasmith/
>
> section chair, state politics and policy (APSA), 2013-2015
> https://twitter.com/electionsmith
> On 2/13/2014 5:42 PM, andrew at andrewstraw.com wrote:
> These are not serious objections to vote by mail. Nearly all absentee ballots are accepted. I know that many people go to the polls and are given provisional ballots that are never counted.
>
> How about a simple solution. Every voter has a "voter account" with the state, and their vote by mail ballot is scanned in so they can see it (and only them) as an image. This is no different from how banks scan checks. Then, if the ballot was rejected, the state has the burden of pointing out why on that person's account.
>
> That work for you?
>
> Vote by mail costs so much less, and is so much more inclusive, and will increase turnout so much, the objection that some are rejected isn't nearly enough to oppose vote by mail.
>
> People who show up at the polls are rejected too. People stand outside and challenge voters. Police park their cars strategically to scare people.
>
> I am done with polling places. The fights over them will all cease when voting happens by mail.
>
> Andrew Straw
>
>
> __
>
>
>
> ______________________
> Andrew U. D. Straw
> Attorney at Law
> U.S. District Court
> Northern District of Illinois
> 241A Brittany Drive
> Streamwood, IL 60107
> (574) 971-0131 (T)
> (877) 310-9097 (F)
> andrew at andrewstraw.com
> www.andrewstraw.com
>
> Founder, Disability Party
> http://www.facebook.com/DisabilityParty
>
>
> The information transmitted in this e-mail message and any accompanying attachments are confidential and protected by legal privilege. The content contained herein is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named above. The distribution, copying, disclosure or other use of this e-mail by unauthorized persons is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify the sender or Andrew Straw, Esq. and permanently delete this transmission from your system, including attachments. Thank you for your cooperation.
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: [EL] Law-election Digest, Vol 34, Issue 13
> From: Marc Greidinger <mpoweru4 at gmail.com>
> Date: Thu, February 13, 2014 4:08 pm
> To: andrew at andrewstraw.com
> Cc: law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
> If you are going to encourage "vote by mail" you need to make sure the mailed in votes count just as much as in person votes.
>
> In Virginia, mailed in absentee ballots are rejected because the inside envelope is missing the person's middle initial; because the date that they are signed is omitted; and because a student puts his/her college address instead of his/her family address on the inside envelope. There have been back and forth regulatory changes as to whether or not a ballot should be thrown away because the envelope has not been sealed or becomes unsealed.
>
> In these cases, there is no question about the identity of the voter: that is pre-printed by the Office of Elections on the outside envelope. So these requirements are effectively a literacy test not imposed upon people who vote "in person absentee" at satellite voting locations or at regular polling places. Thousands of otherwise valid absentee ballots are not counted because voters do not comply with these pointless rules.
>
> First, get rid of these rules. Then we'll talk.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 13, 2014 at 3:35 PM, <andrew at andrewstraw.com> wrote:
> Yet another reason for vote by mail. Natural disasters make it even more difficult for disabled people to vote in traditional polling places. My polling place here in Streamwood forces disabled people to cross into the street behind two parked buses to get to the poll. Many places pile their snow into handicapped spots. See attached.
>
> If a state does not implement vote by mail, it deserves an ADA Title II suit to inform it of the obligation of access. I have already complained to the Justice Department, in 2012. Maybe we will have vote by mail and compliance with the ADA before the next presidential election.
>
> If Oregon and Washington are any guide, that will mean improved voter turnout of over 50 million as well.
>
> Andrew
>
>
> __
>
>
>
> ______________________
> Andrew U. D. Straw
> Attorney at Law
> U.S. District Court
> Northern District of Illinois
> 241A Brittany Drive
> Streamwood, IL 60107
> (574) 971-0131 (T)
> (877) 310-9097 (F)
> andrew at andrewstraw.com
> www.andrewstraw.com
>
> Founder, Disability Party
> http://www.facebook.com/DisabilityParty
>
>
> The information transmitted in this e-mail message and any accompanying attachments are confidential and protected by legal privilege. The content contained herein is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named above. The distribution, copying, disclosure or other use of this e-mail by unauthorized persons is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify the sender or Andrew Straw, Esq. and permanently delete this transmission from your system, including attachments. Thank you for your cooperation.
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Law-election Digest, Vol 34, Issue 13
> From: law-election-request at department-lists.uci.edu
> Date: Thu, February 13, 2014 2:00 pm
> To: law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
>
> Send Law-election mailing list submissions to
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Law-election digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. ELB News and Commentary 2/13/14 (Rick Hasen)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:07:01 -0800
> From: Rick Hasen <rhasen at law.uci.edu>
> To: "law-election at UCI.edu" <law-election at UCI.edu>
> Subject: [EL] ELB News and Commentary 2/13/14
> Message-ID: <52FC52F5.9010602 at law.uci.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed"
>
>
> "Elections Report: Prepare for the Worst"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58732>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 9:04 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58732>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Politico
> <http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/elections-natural-disasters-preparation-103459.html>:
>
> Are states prepared to deal with natural disasters during elections?
> A new report out Wednesday says while progress has been made,
> there's room for improvement.
>
> With much of the East Coast facing the threat of another serious
> winter storm, the National Association of Secretaries of State is
> unveiling a report
> <http://images.politico.com/global/2014/02/12/task-force-report-on-emergency-preparedness-for-elections-jan14.html>
> that looks at the current state of emergency preparedness of the
> nation's elections rules, and makes recommendations for states to
> better prepare for the unexpected.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58732&title=%E2%80%9CElections%20Report%3A%20Prepare%20for%20the%20Worst%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>
>
>
> "'Vote No, Hope Yes' Defines Dysfunction in Congress"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58730>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 9:02 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58730>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> NYT news analysis
> <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/us/politics/vote-no-hope-yes-defines-dysfunction-in-congress.html?ref=politics>
> from Carl Hulse.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58730&title=%E2%80%9C%E2%80%98Vote%20No%2C%20Hope%20Yes%E2%80%99%20Defines%20Dysfunction%20in%20Congress%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in political parties <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=25>,
> political polarization <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=68>
>
>
> "Senior tries and tries to get ID card so she can vote"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58728>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 5:38 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58728>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Houston Chronicle column.
> <http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Senior-tries-and-tries-to-get-ID-card-so-she-can-5226268.php#src=fb>
>
> Very informative on the bureaucratic burdens of voter id.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58728&title=%E2%80%9CSenior%20tries%20and%20tries%20to%20get%20ID%20card%20so%20she%20can%20vote%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>, voter id
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=9>
>
>
> "Boxer, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Ensure Voters Wait No Longer
> than Thirty Minutes to Vote" <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58726>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:54 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58726>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Press release via email:
>
> *BOXER, NELSON INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE VOTERS WAIT NO LONGER
> THAN THIRTY MINUTES TO VOTE*
>
> /'LINE Act' Will Help Implement the Recommendation of the Bipartisan
> Presidential Commission on Election Administration Led by Counsels
> to the Romney and Obama Campaigns/
>
> **
>
> *Washington, D.C. *-- U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bill
> Nelson (D-FL) today introduced an updated version of their
> legislation -- the Lines Interfere with National Elections (LINE)
> Act -- that would help implement the recommendation
> <https://www.supportthevoter.gov/2014/01/22/presidential-commission-on-election-administration-presents-recommendations-to-president-obama/>
> of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration that no
> voter should wait in line for more than 30 minutes to cast a ballot.
> The measure would require states where voters experienced long lines
> in the 2012 election to develop plans to minimize waits at the polls.
>
> *"We can never again allow Americans to stand in line for hours to
> exercise their right to vote,"* Senator Boxer said. *"The bipartisan
> Presidential Commission on Election Administration was right that no
> voter should wait for longer than a half hour to cast a ballot, and
> this legislation will help ensure that states are taking action to
> meet this standard in future elections."*
>
> *"In a democracy, you're supposed to make it easier and less of
> hardship for people to vote, and that's what we're trying to do
> here,"* Senator Nelson said.
>
> Senator Boxer first introduced the LINE Act at the end of the 112^th
> Congress in response to reports that voters in Florida
> <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics-july-dec12-election_11-08/>, Virginia
> <http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/266281-virginia-voters-see-long-lines-as-pols-swoop-in>,
> Ohio
> <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/04/ohio-early-voting_n_2073287.html>
> and other states waited in line for up to seven hours to cast
> ballots, and Senators Boxer and Nelson renewed the push for the
> legislation
> <http://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/press/releases/021213.cfm> at the
> start of the 113^th Congress.
>
> The legislation has now been updated to include the recommendations
> and findings released last month by the bipartisan Presidential
> Commission on Election Administration, which is led by veteran
> election attorneys, Democrat Bob Bauer and Republican Ben Ginsberg,
> who served as the chief campaign lawyers for President Obama and
> Republican Mitt Romney during the last election.
>
> The bill specifically cites the Commission's finding that more than
> 5 million voters experienced wait times that exceeded an hour in the
> 2012 election, and another 5 million waited between a half hour and
> an hour. The measure also notes that the Commission found that these
> excessive wait times are avoidable if election officials plan
> properly and have systems in place to respond when problems occur at
> the polls.
>
> To help implement the Commission's goal of reducing wait times to
> under a half hour, the bill would require states that experienced
> long voter lines in the 2012 election to implement remedial plans to
> fix the problems before the next federal election. Under the bill,
> the Attorney General working with the Election Assistance Commission
> would identify those states that had a substantial number of voters
> who waited more than 30 minutes to vote. Those states would have to
> develop and comply with a remedial plan to ensure that voters will
> not face similar delays in the future.
>
> The Commission also offered a series of recommendations
> <https://www.supportthevoter.gov/files/2014/01/Amer-Voting-Exper-final-draft-01-09-14-508.pdf>
> for best practices that state and local elections officials can take
> to reduce voter lines and improve the voting experience for all
> Americans.
>
> I'd think the bill would have better chances if it was announced with a
> Republican co-sponsor. I take it that the failure to have one means
> something.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58726&title=%E2%80%9CBoxer%2C%20Nelson%20Introduce%20Legislation%20to%20Ensure%20Voters%20Wait%20No%20Longer%20than%20Thirty%20Minutes%20to%20Vote%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> PCEA (Bauer-Ginsberg Commission) <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=79>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
>
> "Election Panel: Long Lines Were 'Management' Problem"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58724>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:52 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58724>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Pam Fessler reports
> <http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2014/02/12/275995111/election-panel-long-lines-were-management-problem?ft=1&f=1014&utm_campaign=nprpolitics&utm_source=politics&utm_medium=twitter>
> for NPR on Bauer and Ginsberg's testimony about the PCEA before the
> Senate Rules Committee.
>
> She also notes the EAC nominations of Hicks and Perez were put off for
> lack of a quorum.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58724&title=%E2%80%9CElection%20Panel%3A%20Long%20Lines%20Were%20%E2%80%98Management%E2%80%99%20Problem%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> Election Assistance Commission <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=34>,
> PCEA (Bauer-Ginsberg Commission) <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=79>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
>
> "IRS plan to curb politically active groups threatened by opposition
> from both sides" <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58722>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:48 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58722>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> WaPo reports.
> <http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/irs-plan-to-curb-politically-active-groups-threatened-by-opposition-from-both-sides/2014/02/12/99dcfd2a-932a-11e3-b46a-5a3d0d2130da_story.html>
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58722&title=%E2%80%9CIRS%20plan%20to%20curb%20politically%20active%20groups%20threatened%20by%20opposition%20from%20both%20sides%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>, tax law
> and election law <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=22>
>
>
> Kobach: EAC Would Have to Help Kansas Deny Vote to People of Swedish
> Descent, If Kansas Wanted It <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58720>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:34 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58720>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Case continue
> <http://www.kansas.com/2014/02/11/3281939/judge-questions-feds-role-in-kansas.html>s
> over EAC's authority under the NVRA against the states.
>
> While Kobach said the EAC did not have the authority to reject state
> requested information for the federal form, he added that a court would
> strike down the anti-Swedish voting law as unconstitutional.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58720&title=Kobach%3A%20EAC%20Would%20Have%20to%20Help%20Kansas%20Deny%20Vote%20to%20People%20of%20Swedish%20Descent%2C%20If%20Kansas%20Wanted%20It&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> NVRA (motor voter) <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=33>, The Voting Wars
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
>
> "North Carolina voting law targets black voters: Study"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58718>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:28 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58718>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Adam Serwer reports
> <http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/north-carolina-voting-law-black-voters>for
> MSNBC.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58718&title=%E2%80%9CNorth%20Carolina%20voting%20law%20targets%20black%20voters%3A%20Study%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>, Voting Rights Act
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=15>
>
>
> Israeli Supreme Court Orders New Elections in Beit Shemesh,
> Nazareth: Voter Impersonation Fraud in Beit Shemesh case
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58716>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:23 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58716>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Jerusalem Post.
> <http://www.jpost.com/National-News/A-triple-revolution-Beit-Shemesh-Nazareth-and-Grunis-moves-to-background-341261>
>
> The Beit Shemesh case has been fascinating to watch, as it seems to
> involve a fair amount of real live impersonation fraud. Since I can't
> find any modern U.S. cases where this has been a major problem, it is
> useful to examine why it was a problem in Beit Shemesh (especially given
> that they use voter id to vote in Israel). And the answer seems to be
> that those engaging in the fraud were doing so on order of their rabbis.
> That is, they were motivated by a religious desire. (Interestingly, the
> same allegation figures into recent allegations ofvoter fraud in
> Brooklyn <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=55279>.)
>
> For those wanting to keep up with the Beit Shemesh case, the Failed
> Messiah
> <http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2013/12/court-overturns-beit-shemesh-election-due-to-haredi-voter-fraud-567.html>website
> is indispensable.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58716&title=Israeli%20Supreme%20Court%20Orders%20New%20Elections%20in%20Beit%20Shemesh%2C%20Nazareth%3A%20Voter%20Impersonation%20Fraud%20in%20Beit%20Shemesh%20case&description=>
> Posted in chicanery <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=12>, election
> administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>
>
>
> FEC Commissioners Ravel, Weintraub Write WSJ Letter to the Editor
> Complaining of OpEd <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58714>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 2:14 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58714>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Here
> <http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304680904579369191043834138?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304680904579369191043834138.html>.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58714&title=FEC%20Commissioners%20Ravel%2C%20Weintraub%20Write%20WSJ%20Letter%20to%20the%20Editor%20Complaining%20of%20OpEd&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>, federal
> election commission <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=24>
>
>
> "Both Sides Object to I.R.S. Plan to Restrict Nonprofits' Political
> Activity" <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58712>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 1:49 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58712>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> NYT reports.
> <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/us/politics/both-sides-object-to-irs-plan-to-restrict-nonprofits-political-activity.html>
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58712&title=%E2%80%9CBoth%20Sides%20Object%20to%20I.R.S.%20Plan%20to%20Restrict%20Nonprofits%E2%80%99%20Political%20Activity%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>, tax law
> and election law <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=22>
>
>
> "Feds: Mexican Tycoon Exploited Super PACs to Influence U.S.
> Elections" <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58710>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 12:56 pm
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58710>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> FP's /The Cable/ reports.
> <http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/02/11/feds_mexican_tycoon_used_super_pacs_to_influence_us_elections>
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58710&title=%E2%80%9CFeds%3A%20Mexican%20Tycoon%20Exploited%20Super%20PACs%20to%20Influence%20U.S.%20Elections%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>
>
>
> "Newport council candidate seeks bitcoin donations"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58706>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 11:31 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58706>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> The /OC Register /reports.
> <http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bitcoin-601152-bitcoins-currency.html>
>
> Also read it here
> <http://www.law.uci.edu/news/in-the-news/2014/ocr-current_hasen_021114.pdf>.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58706&title=%E2%80%9CNewport%20council%20candidate%20seeks%20bitcoin%20donations%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>
>
>
> About to Be on HuffPostLive Talking Early Voting
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58704>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 10:44 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58704>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> with Mike Sacks <http://huff.lv/1iPldpb>, Jonathan Bernstein, and David
> Schaefer.
>
> Background:my recent
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html>/Slate
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html>/piece
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html> on
> conservatives and early voting.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58704&title=About%20to%20Be%20on%20HuffPostLive%20Talking%20Early%20Voting&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
>
> Talked Early Voting with Pete Domnick Today
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58702>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 10:42 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58702>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Listen here
> <https://soundcloud.com/siriusxm-news-issues/standup-w-petedominick-rick> as
> I talked about my recent
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html>/Slate
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html>/piece
> <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/02/the_new_conservative_assault_on_early_voting_more_republicans_fewer_voters.html> on
> conservatives and early voting.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58702&title=Talked%20Early%20Voting%20with%20Pete%20Domnick%20Today&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
>
> "Taking Down D'Souza and Other Abuses of Power"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58700>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 8:15 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58700>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Brad Smith
> <http://www.libertylawsite.org/2014/02/11/taking-down-dsouza-and-other-abuses-of-power/>:
>
> I have no idea if Dinesh D'Souza is guilty of the alleged campaign
> finance law violations. One cannot make campaign contributions in
> the name of another or exceed the legal limit---then $5000---to a
> candidate in a campaign cycle. But most people are not aware of this
> restriction, and violations of this provision are both relatively
> common and usually inadvertent. Such violations are typically
> handled as civil matters, subjected to small fines. This is
> especially true when, as here, the race in which the violation
> occurred was never even competitive. Long's Democratic opponent,
> Kristin Gillibrand (D. N.Y.) won with over seventy percent of the
> vote while outspending Long by over $13 million. Criminal
> indictments and handcuffs for a first-time offender will strike many
> as overkill.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58700&title=%E2%80%9CTaking%20Down%20D%E2%80%99Souza%20and%20Other%20Abuses%20of%20Power%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>
>
>
> "More voting rules poised to pass state House"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58698>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 8:12 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58698>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> The latest
> <http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201402112238/NEWS010801/302110048>
> from Ohio.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58698&title=%E2%80%9CMore%20voting%20rules%20poised%20to%20pass%20state%20House%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in Uncategorized <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=1>
>
>
> "On Campaign Payment of Legal Fees, Contrasting Views From Christie"
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58696>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 8:11 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58696>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Brian Svoboda
> <http://www.lawandpoliticsupdate.com/2014/02/on-campaign-payment-of-legal-fees-contrasting-views-from-christie/>
> dives in.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58696&title=%E2%80%9COn%20Campaign%20Payment%20of%20Legal%20Fees%2C%20Contrasting%20Views%20From%20Christie%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>,
> campaigns <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=59>
>
>
> "Winter Reading: Rick Hasen's 'Lobbying, Rent-Seeking, and the
> Constitution'" <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58694>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 8:08 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58694>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> This item
> <http://www.cityethics.org/content/winter-reading-rick-hasens-lobbying-rent-seeking-and-constitution>
> appears at the /City Ethics/ blog.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58694&title=%E2%80%9CWinter%20Reading%3A%20Rick%20Hasen%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%98Lobbying%2C%20Rent-Seeking%2C%20and%20the%20Constitution%E2%80%99%E2%80%9D&description=>
> Posted in campaign finance <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=10>,
> lobbying <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=28>
>
>
> Politico on the Partisan Fights over Secretary of State Races
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58692>
>
> Posted on February 12, 2014 8:07 am
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=58692>by Rick Hasen
> <http://electionlawblog.org/?author=3>
>
> Here
> <http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/secretary-of-state-elections-2014-103425.html>.
>
> Share
> <http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Felectionlawblog.org%2F%3Fp%3D58692&title=Politico%20on%20the%20Partisan%20Fights%20over%20Secretary%20of%20State%20Races&description=>
> Posted in election administration <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=18>,
> The Voting Wars <http://electionlawblog.org/?cat=60>
>
> --
> Rick Hasen
> Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science
> UC Irvine School of Law
> 401 E. Peltason Dr., Suite 1000
> Irvine, CA 92697-8000
> 949.824.3072 - office
> 949.824.0495 - fax
> rhasen at law.uci.edu
> http://www.law.uci.edu/faculty/full-time/hasen/
> http://electionlawblog.org
>
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