Responsibilities and Goals of the Ballot Box
If the events of the past election have revealed anything at all it is that there is a great lack of knowledge concerning the election process. It is hoped that this letter will help erase some of that lack.
First there are some items which must be understood. It is the responsibility of each American citizen to understand the issues and personalities involved in an election; to become properly registered for that election and to take a responsible part in that process. It is the responsibility of each election official, at any level, to insure that each citizen has the opportunity to become registered for themselves only, to vote once, and that each vote is a reflection of only that citizen's reasoning.
It needs to be remembered that there are groups and individuals who pervert both the registration and voting process, as well as direct the thinking of individual voters in order to advance their own agendas. It is in the maintenance of these perversions to the lowest level possible while insuring the honest participation of each citizen that occupies the minds of election officials.
Becoming Registered
It is through this process where the criteria of insuring that each citizen can vote once is established. This is accomplished by providing each citizen, who has qualified him or herself, with a personal registration certificate, which is that citizen's identification card for voting. It must be remembered that when the citizen does not maintain control of that card it is possible that someone else can use it to vote in that citizen's name. Maintaining security of that card begins with the registration process. The application must not be altered and/or the card meant for a particular citizen go to another. It is the citizen's responsibility to insure that application for registration is handled in a manner to be delivered properly to the registration office. The best way obviously is to go to that office to complete the application in person. Following that go to a registered voting deputy. They will be able to show you a number and the proper papers. The third choice is to acquire an application and after completing place in a stamped envelope addressed to the voting office and mail it. DO NOT give your completed application to someone else to deliver for you unless that person is a registered voting deputy. Anyone who has worked in the voting process and seen individuals who thought they were registered when they weren't, came to vote when they were already shown to have voted, and other items, will have no problem understanding the importance of what is being said here.
One other statement, which needs to be said, is that registering when you get a driver's license does not work. After submitting your application if you move you are not registered. Your address does not match your name. If you moved prior to receiving your registration certificate the post office would have returned it to the voting office and your registration deleted. You must reregister at the address where you currently live. Keep in mind that if your now incorrect registration certificate did not get returned to the voting office someone else could be using your name in the voting booth. You can help the voting office prevent this, and at the same time prevent problems for yourself, by notifying them as soon as possible, also reregister and be prepared for the next election. When you get your registration certificate keep it with you - remember it is your identification when voting,
IN THE VOTING BOOTH
Our electoral system can only function to maintain our government if the enlightened mind of each citizen is allowed to make its choices independently on the voting ballot. Whenever anyone allows another individual or group to tell, coerce, or bribe them into what choice to make, under any pretext whatsoever, they are being manipulated, into the position of slavery, and pulling down the walls of liberty for all of us. For that reason it is extremely important that each person go into the booth, or complete an absentee ballot without direction of any kind. The only justification for accompaniment of any sort is in the case of physical impairment, and then there should be qualified assurance that the voter's wishes were being properly applied.
It is the responsibility of the voter to acquire knowledge of the issues and personalities involved in an election and to know their own goals When going into the polling place. There will always be illustrative ballots available, demonstrator booths, and any technical help, which may be required. The voter must avail themselves of this help but request nor accept any help regarding their decision, what lever to pull, punch to make or anything of that nature. When the voter is establishing their identity with the election officials at the polling place it would decrease the security problem greatly if everyone would use their registration certificate for this purpose. If for no other reason the voter knows no one else is using it. In addition to this, it has your voter number on it, which will match the number in the poll book with your name, which makes for positive voter identification. It is amazing how many people have the same name. Also it is through the means of marking your registration certificate in a primary which prevents those who would of voting in both party primaries, After voting insure the proper levers pulled or proper holes punched, (depending on the machine) according to your desires, before completing the process by either depositing your ballot or opening the curtain.
Harris Co. Phone numbers:
Voter Registration 713-224-1919, ext.2310
County Clerk's Office 713-755-6411 or 6965
Stan Smith
Precinct Chairman -Prec. 520 Ph. 281-444-1190