Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Anyone Have a Strange Voting Experience?

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Here is mine. When I got to the precinct list my name wasnt on it and I was asked to fill out a “inactive voter” affidavit and show an ID.

I was then given a ballot and was able to put it in the machine just like always BUT …

Weird.

What the heck is an “inactive voter” list and why was I on it since I hadnt missed a vote including primaries and special election since at least the 80s?

Any idea? Simple clerical mess up?

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Comments

  1. when I lived in Arlington, if I didn’t “refresh” my registration annually, the threat was that I’d be put on the inactive voter list.  Maybe your town does something similar now and you missed the mailing?

        • The people at the desk seemed entirely clueless ..  but unsurprised. I’m thinking clerical error but I was curious if other people had similar experiences.
          My wife however will suspect the Ron Paul lawn signs had something to do with it đŸ™‚

          • maybe they figured you were so libertarian, you didn’t even want to be enrolled, lol!

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            p>but seriously, call the clerk.  the poll workers would’t necessarily know the answer.  if it was a clerical error, it would be good to have them figure out how and why it happened.  after all, you and your wife registered to vote on separate cards, so there is no reason why you should both be experiencing the same problem just because you;re at the same address.  

  3. I’m not sure how they do it where you are, but as I understand it, many towns send out surveys/street listings with property tax bills, etc for their annual censuses.  If you didn’t return one or it got lost or misfiled or whatever, you may be listed as an inactive voter.

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    p>I don’t think it has anything to do with voter history.

    •  you go on the “inactive” list and are required to show an id and proof of residency. I couldn’t find the actual Mass General Law but most towns have wording (Example here, Town of Stow) which says…

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      p>

      As of August 1st, 2008, 35 Stow households still HAVE NOT returned the 2008 census/street listing forms to the town clerk’s office.   All voters in those households have been moved to the inactive list per Mass. General Law.   When Inactive voters go to the polls in September and November they will have to provide proof of Stow residency and complete an affidavit of continous residency in order to receive a ballot.   Avoid delays and return a completed census form or the voter confirmation card all inactive voters were sent in June.

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      p>

  4. If you were a bad guy who wanted to vote multiple times, you could check town voting records to find names of voters who rarely vote on the assumption that you would be less likely to be caught if you went into the polls and claimed to be that person. Perhaps they are guarding against that.

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    p>However, I would think someone would have to be awfully foolhardy to risk getting charged with a felony just to get a couple of extra votes.

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