Back From the Walking Dead

Isn't flu season supposed to be over? I guess my immune system didn't get the memo. I've been down for two weeks, and now I'm playing catch up on so many things in my life. I guess all of us have been there several times.

While I was among the walking dead, Beaumont got a new mayor.... and we had a relatively smooth election. That's smooth for Jefferson County. It's been a while since we have had an election without a SNAFU or a recount...or two recounts.... or all of the above.

Some folks tell me they were denied a paper ballot. From what I understand, that's a no-no, but I doubt much will come of it. The county's new high-tech voting machines counted the ballots and the “test votes” as well. I think I see a pattern starting here.

I know enough about computers in general to know if someone tells you a computer “cannot do that,” it probably can. When they say to me that the electronic ballots are safe because you "…cannot tamper with the computer." I don't believe it.

I want a paper trail!

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the big push for electronic ballots come right after the hanging-chad fiasco in Florida?

So don't use the punch ballots! Use a #2 pencil. What's wrong with that? That is as long as you are given the option for a paper ballot!

I am convinced the push for electronic ballot push is just another example of typical American way of doing things... demand an unproven solution be forced into place. That seems to be the status quo.

Apparently the uncertainty over electronic ballots may... just may... lead to a challenge of the Beaumont city election. In case you missed it, Beaumont councilwoman Bobbie Patterson, after losing the recount, says she's considering it.

Ah yes, business as usual in a Southeast Texas election.