Ramblin' Man Voter Registration

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:26:36 AM EST
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At the beginning of the year, I changed my residence and voter registration to Florida. I am there most of the time now. I can't say that my decision was driven by the November election, but the thought did cross my mind.

New York is a Democratic lock so my vote is not needed there. Florida is an uphill climb, or rather, it was, as polls now show Obama with a Florida lead. Here's a thought experiment - supposing you had to pick a state where you could vote in November which one would it be? I would have said Ohio, but today's Ohio Dispatch poll has Obama leading by 7. Michigan? McCain pulled out. Virginia? Still fairly close there. Ok, I pick Colorado. Because if Obama wins Colorado, his Western strategy (I figure New Mexico and Nevada come with Colorado and Iowa is in the bag) insures an Obama win no matter what happens elsewhere in the battlegrounds. Where would you vote?

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only

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Ramblin' Man Voter Registration | 54 comments (54 topical)

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I dropped my g (5.00 / 5) (#1)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:28:06 AM EST

in honor of Sarah Palin.

What are registration laws in CO? I think you (5.00 / 3) (#2)
by Teresa on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:33:58 AM EST

should move in with Jeralyn for the next month and vote there. I want to read all about your Palin arguments for my entertainment.

Why choose? (5.00 / 2) (#3)
by LarryInNYC on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:34:40 AM EST

Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and Minnesota.

Early, often, everywhere! (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:40:46 AM EST

Other than Minnesota (none / 0) (#23)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:28:27 PM EST

I agree with you. Minnesota is our's. The others? Still too close to call. I've thought for a long time that the contest will be in CO and VA.


I vote in David Cameron's area. (none / 0) (#32)
by Salo on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:43:38 PM EST

So that's a wash really.

...erm in the UK i'd vote in some suburb of Birmingham. I'd also like to vote in Ireland. Kilkenny or Donegal.


: Franch too. (none / 0) (#33)
by Salo on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:46:37 PM EST

I'd like to vote in the city of Grenoble in the winter and Coastal Provence in the summer.
it's all fantasy at this point right?
SO Colorado in the winter and Miami in the summer?

: As an American abroad, you could (none / 0) (#53)
by oculus on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 10:24:14 PM EST

vote in the Dem. primary at a pub in Dublin. Handy, eh?

Colorado, probably (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:38:45 AM EST

Though maybe New Hampshire or Virginia.

I still vote in Pennsylvania, of course. Usually our election are pretty close, but it's looking like not this year.

I'm delighted... (5.00 / 0) (#13)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:55:33 AM EST

...to be able vote in Colorado. I'm proud of our progress from the days of being known as the "Hate State" to a state that is turning a shade of blue as beautiful as our skies.

If I could vote elsewhere, it would be Washington State because I want to see Dino Rossi defeated and sent back under whatever rock he crawled out from under.

: Dino won't win (none / 0) (#43)
by MoveThatBus on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 04:46:36 PM EST

you should stay in Colorado. It's raining in Washington today, and the winds are up.

Florida, because we're all going to need (5.00 / 0) (#31)
by steviez314 on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:40:44 PM EST

Homestead Protection the way it's going.

I haven't decided if I vote, or if I do, how. (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by ChiTownDenny on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 03:09:51 PM EST

I live in IL. My vote in not necessary for the top of the ticket. This is an assessment I've made after voting straight ticket for years (excluding one gubernatorial race). If I vote, I haven't decided if I'll vote straight ticket or just down ticket. I guess I'm an Undecided.
There needs to be a price to pay for what occurred during the Dem primaties. I just haven't decided how far to take that price.

It's Illinois ... (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by Robot Porter on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 03:26:39 PM EST

if you don't vote, I'm sure someone will do it for you.

;)


: Plenty! (none / 0) (#42)
by ChiTownDenny on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 03:32:09 PM EST

Which is my argument!

Senators!!! (5.00 / 0) (#48)
by Carolyn in Baltimore on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 06:03:22 PM EST

Since Obama looks like an electoral winner I think I'd pick a state where we can make gains in Senators - Oregon (would love to live there anyway), Minnesota, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina - many picks where a few extra votes would mean somethin', you betcha!

One of my friends (none / 0) (#6)
by Steve M on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:44:47 AM EST

badly wants to vote in VA, but they don't close on their house there until mid-October which is apparently after the registration deadline.

I suggested that she contact the local Obama campaign office and find out if she has any legal options that would let her vote in VA.

Where will they be living. . . (none / 0) (#7)
by LarryInNYC on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:46:20 AM EST

on the last day of registration. Because if it's not Virginia, I can't see how they can expect to vote there.


I know what I would do. . . (none / 0) (#8)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:47:01 AM EST

Where do you think you live? (none / 0) (#10)
by oculus on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:51:20 AM EST

Vague recollection of domicile as distinguished from residence.


: Exactly, and Pennsylvania (none / 0) (#11)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:52:23 AM EST

It may be done by drivers license (none / 0) (#14)
by Cream City on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:03:55 PM EST

as in my state, where I've seen how newcomers handle residency rules for getting in-state tuition status at the state university. Some fly in months ahead to get a drivers license at the new address-to-be. Some also start phone service early, getting a local phone number -- and thus an address listing at the new address-to-be.


Yesterday, around my office in Northern Virginia.. (none / 0) (#18)
by Dr Molly on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:45:15 PM EST

they were at least 5 Obama people doing voter registration, and registering voters on the spot - they just needed driver's licenses.


Doesn't the driver's license have to show a VA (none / 0) (#24)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:31:43 PM EST

Address? Or can it show any address?

At the polls in VA, people have to show an ID with proof of who they are and where they live. OR, they have to sign something that says those things.


Yes, of course, I should have said that (none / 0) (#37)
by Dr Molly on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:47:27 PM EST

VA driver's license required.


Hi there. I've missed you. (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by Teresa on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:51:31 PM EST

Hi (5.00 / 2) (#45)
by Dr Molly on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 05:53:11 PM EST

I'm banned, I just felt uppity enough to comment today.

I always like your comments.


Then someone needs to unban you. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by Teresa on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 06:27:20 PM EST

This post spoke a lot to me and made me think about my priorities. I don't know if you still feel the same way but it helped me to read that from you. I think you and a lot of posters (me included) were really taken back at some of the reaction to Palin's pick as VP. We had to defend her from sexism charges because that is who we are.

I'm still no Obama fan and may never be but when I remind myself who I am aligning with on the other side, I know deep down that I just can't not vote for him. You brought me to that point and I think it is much more meaningful to have someone who feels similarly to how I feel help me get there than it is to only read one point of view. We all lose without your voice.

[new] I have no freaking idea anymore, my friend (none / 0) (#93)
by Dr Molly on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 09:37:41 AM EST
All I know is that I got stuck with Rush Limbaugh-listening in-laws last week in Florida at a family reunion, and it was a deeply sobering experience (as was McCain at the faith forum). I have not had the, erm, privilege of listening to Rush for many many years. During this particular week, when he wasn't touting McCain and mocking democrats, he was on a tear against the Rachel-Carson-tree-huggers and ridiculing the idea that the environment is in any danger or that climate change is real.
I repeat my daily mantra: I ain't no Obama fan, but McCain must be stopped. Amen.
[ Parent | Reply to This | 1 2 3 4 5 ]

: I thought this was an open thread. I think (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by Teresa on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 06:46:14 PM EST

(I hope) it was a Jeralyn thread that got you suspended. If it was a BTD thread, I'm in deep trouble now. I hope I don't have to join you in lurker land. :) I've been here for years and I only want what is best for this blog. I do miss your comments.

How can you be banned and yet post? (none / 0) (#54)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 10:27:43 PM EST

Just wondering.


Note that the comment said (none / 0) (#39)
by Cream City on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:53:01 PM EST

"the new address-to-be" on the driver's license.


: Yes you're right (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by Dr Molly on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 05:53:25 PM EST

I would choose (none / 0) (#9)
by mg7505 on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:49:09 AM EST

Minnesota. Luckily that's where I'm registered right now anyway. Kind of a sad situation, though, when Minnesota is in play for the Repubs.

I think the jury's out (none / 0) (#12)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 11:52:56 AM EST

on whether it's actually in play. It would be fun to vote for Al Franken, though.


New poll in Minnesota (none / 0) (#21)
by JWeidner on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:22:09 PM EST

shows a healthy lead for Obama - 55 to 37. Link to the article at Moderate Voice.


I've seen it (none / 0) (#22)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:27:53 PM EST

but I think that one is off and SUSA is off.

My sense is that Obama has a lead of around 8, and Franken is tied with Coleman.


My sense is that Obama carries MN easily (none / 0) (#26)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:33:09 PM EST

But Al Franken loses. I know that sounds strange, but lots of people like Norm Coleman and can't see Franken as anything but a very funny guy.


Under normal circumstances, I'd agree (5.00 / 0) (#27)
by andgarden on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:34:26 PM EST

but I think the environment for Republicans is just toxic enough that Franken could pull it off.


: Let's hope so (none / 0) (#35)
by mg7505 on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:23:40 PM EST

The fact that Coleman is still in office despite having not done anything significant shows that the Repubs know how to win Senate races in MN.

that's because you are (none / 0) (#52)
by coigue on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 09:10:47 PM EST

a republican.


I'd pick the state where I live (none / 0) (#15)
by rdandrea on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:20:13 PM EST

Colorado. Not only is it needed in November, it's pretty nice here.

: But if you're going to move here to register (none / 0) (#16)
by rdandrea on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:21:36 PM EST

You'd better do it fast. I think the deadline is Monday or Tuesday.

Indiana or North Carolina. (none / 0) (#17)
by eustiscg on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:37:16 PM EST

If Obama wins in either or those places, John McCain will never get all that egg off his face.

: Yep! (none / 0) (#47)
by lilburro on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 05:56:32 PM EST

Come down and vote with me (in North Carolina). Seriously, we need you, and as a plus, you can put Hagan in office too.

New Hampshire (none / 0) (#19)
by Coral on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 12:58:23 PM EST

right next door to my never-in-play Massachusetts. Polls, plus anecdotes from my daughter canvassing there, worry me.

: It could me NH and Nevada (none / 0) (#28)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:34:31 PM EST

Wouldn't that be wild? Two such different states.

If the Columbus Dispatch says it, it must be so (none / 0) (#20)
by klem4708 on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:12:56 PM EST

Obama really must own Ohio at this point for the Dispatch to give him a seven-point lead. The paper is rarely friendly to Democrats and has been particularly bad for Obama.

: I wouldn't count on Ohio (none / 0) (#29)
by BrassTacks on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:35:18 PM EST

PA, yes, Ohio, not so certain.

: are to thinking of the (none / 0) (#34)
by Salo on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:05:55 PM EST

GOP Serbian guy who owns the Ohio paper wherein he trashed Clinton and Gore in revenge for Kosovo?
Plain Dealer or something.

Florida (none / 0) (#25)
by indy in sc on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:32:16 PM EST

--because it's my former home and I'd love to move back and because I think it will be very close there even though the current polls show an Obama lead.

Indiana! (none / 0) (#30)
by Maggie on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 01:39:37 PM EST

OK, probably not tops on the chart. But I actually do live here. And it would just be so nifty if McCain lost the Hoosiers. Team Obama is working hard here.

i'd pick... (none / 0) (#36)
by DefenderOfPants on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 02:26:35 PM EST

Alaska.

If Ohio if for-sure (none / 0) (#44)
by zyx on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 05:52:21 PM EST

it's a done deal. Who cares?! I'd vote there to make sure.

But Florida is exciting to be in play. Good for you.

Virginia (none / 0) (#51)
by coigue on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 09:07:58 PM EST