Hawaii can't afford Congressional election
By the
Current events by Britney Schuldt
Link:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=7209649
Summary: 600,000 citizens of Hawaii are going to be left without representation in Washington next month when a congressman steps down from the senate. Because of dramatic budget cuts the office of elections was left with only $5,000 to last until July, even though a special election would cost $1 million. The citizens could wait for the regular election but Jean Aoki, legislative liaison for the Hawaii chapter of the League of Women Voters, said, "I can't imagine the citizens of our state not wanting representation in the highest body in the land to make laws. It's just unthinkable." If elective officials can save up $925,000 by May 1 then they can hold a vote-by-mail special election. By not doing a walk in election they would save about $75,000 which is desperately needed for education and social services. Federal money could be used since it is allowed under a law passed to upgrade voting systems after the 2000 presidential election. State Elections Commission Chairman William Marston says he is optimistic that they will get through this even thought it might not be what people wanted."
Relation to class: This article relates to class because we discussed how when a senator steps down or retires the state has a special election to replace the person. In this case though, they don't have enough money for a special election so they could wait for the regular election where 1/3 of the senators have to re-elect. Also the citizens of Hawaii do not want to be left with only one representative in the senate because they want equal representation just like every other state.
Questions:
1. Do you think that they should wait until re-election or hold a special election? Why.
2. Should the government give them money or should Hawaii raise money on their own? Explain.
3. What would your opinion be if you lived in Hawaii?
My Answers:
1. I think Hawaii should hold a special election with the vote by mail method because they deserve an equal voice in the senate. Especially this time of year when the health care and other important laws are under discussion.
2. I think the government should give money to Hawaii's voting system because they originally got money in 2003 for new voting machines but it was put into the wrong account so the government, in my opinion, owes them. Also they could possibly put that money into the cost it would take to run a special vote-by-mail survey.
3. My opinion would be that the elective officials should take their time and decide what is best for the citizens. I have never heard of votes in the House that have been a difference of one but I think that they should try and hurry so the citizens are not left with out equal representation.
Comments (2)
Hannah B said
at 4:36 pm on Jan 17, 2010
1. I think that Hawaii should have a special election through mail. They could save $75,000, which is needed for social services and education. The people should have an equal representation in their votes, so I think that this way is the most fair.
2. I think that Hawaii needs to raise money. Hawaii is in obvious need right now, but I don't think it should be a top priority for the government right now, considering all of the other issues currently occurring.
3. If I lived in Hawaii, I would want to have equal representation. I would definitely want to fix the situation, even if it took time for the elective officials to find a solution.
Molly K. said
at 10:04 pm on Jan 17, 2010
1) I also think a special election by mail would be best for Hawaii. I think it is more important to use the $75,000 they could save for their education and social services. Although, money is an issue this is the best solution because it still allows equal representation.
2) I think for Hawaii to regain strength and control the government should lend them money. Hawaii needs to have a fair vote and they need money. After the election they need to raise the money for themselves.
3) If I lived in Hawaii I would do whatever I could to get equal representation. I think if not everyone had a vote it would destroy the government. At first a little power is taken away from the people but what next?
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