Get out and vote!

Election Day is November 3, just over a week from the date of this article. No one in New Hampshire should have any excuse not to vote, and no one need worry that his or her vote will not be counted accurately.

As to the ease of voting, registered voters merely have to show up at the polls, show an ID, and get a ballot. For those travelling, ill, disabled, observing a religious holiday or otherwise qualifying for an absentee ballot, if one has not already been requested, it is best to go to your town or city hall and fill out the application, get the ballot, fill it in and hand it back.  It will be counted on election day.  Those who already have requested one and gotten it in the mail, should be sure to send it back promptly, since the mail may be slower than in past years.

For those not registered, registration is available on election day, at the polls.  This year, proof of citizenship, either by a passport or birth certificate or other suitable proof, is required as well as proof of residence in the district where registering.  With a little foresight, it should be easy.

There has been a lot of buzz, legal actions, threats, attempts to federalize elections and other inappropriate activity, aimed, I suspect, on confusing the electorate so that some will skip the process, somehow thinking they can get in trouble voting, or their votes will not be counted accurately.  Those engaging in such activities not only should be ashamed of themselves, but do the democratic system a grave disservice.  It is a national disgrace that this effort appears to be headed by the occupant of the White House.  The best reaction to it is to be sure to vote.

The reassuring factors in New Hampshire which should bring great comfort and confidence to NH voters have been noted here many times.  However, it is important to note them again before an election:

1. Every voter in New Hampshire receives a paper ballot. There is a paper trail for each vote cast, no chance of “hanging chads,” electronic machines which can be manipulated without any way to check them, old-fashioned mechanical machines which invite mischief.  Just one ballot per voter.
2. Our ballot counting devices are secure. There are extensive requirements for certifying “mechanical ballot-counting devices” in New Hampshire, and the two in use presently have been tested and authorized for use by the Ballot Law Commission after extensive examination by the staff of the Secretary of State.  Before use, each device is secured with security measures which have to be verified, seals broken and recordings made of each step, prior to use on election day.  There are procedures for identifying ballots with “over-votes” to protect voters and provision for write-in choices.
3. Our elections are run on the local level by people we probably know. When I go to the polls, as often as not my next door neighbor signs me in, checks the poll book and my ID (notwithstanding the fact I have lived next door for half a century), hands me my ballot, and off I go to mark my choices.  I hand the ballot to another friend, who feeds it into the device, hands me an “I voted” sticker designed by NH school children, and I am confident my vote will be handled by people I know, not those from some far-off office or another community.
4. We count our ballots the same day. New Hampshire law requires completion of the process the same night so we know the results quickly (with some minor exceptions for really, really close elections requiring recounts).  The longer the public has to wait for results, the more suspicions arise.
5. Recounts are public. In those rare instances when there is a very close count, candidates have the right to ask for a recount.  Those are held in Concord promptly and with stringent rules, in front of the candidates and their volunteers.  While recounts rarely change results, they can provide comfort for those thinking mischief has occurred.
6. Our laws strike a needed balance. Advocates for universal, easy voting, may err on the side of lax controls, while those seeking extreme measures for security may take it too far.  New Hampshire seems to have achieved a balance when it comes to how to vote, register and participate.

In summary, be sure to vote.  However, that really is not enough.  Before you vote, to the extent possible, study up on the candidates asking for your votes.  Do you know what that nice man down the street who is running for the NH House thinks on any issue?  Do you agree with that position?  Have you asked candidates questions?  Just being in one party or another, or going to the same church or being in the same organization does not equate with knowledge of positions.

Is the candidate personally worthy of your vote?  Does he or she have a record of accomplishment?  Does he or she have experience to understand the complexity of matters on which votes will be held?

Do your homework, then vote and know your vote will count!

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.