Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Ballot Design Question

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My wife noticed this today.

We live in Essex County, and the ballot had the Democratic candidates first, except for the Governor’s contest, where the Republican’s were at the top of the list.

Is that on purpose? I could see where someone wanting to vote straight Democrat could mistakenly vote Republican for Governor, by just marking the top slot in each race.

Did anyone else notice this at their polling places?

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Comments

  1. If there is an incumbent, s/he is listed first and the remainder are in alphabetical order by last name. If there is no incumbent, all are listed alphabetically.

    Therefore:

    Markey before Herr because he is the incumbent.

    Baker (Polito) before Coakley (Kerrigan) due to no incumbent.

    Healy before Miller (no incumbent)

    Galvin before D’Arcangelo (incumbent)

    Goldberg / Heffernan / Jackson (no incumbent)

    etc.

    • I think it’s incumbent at top, then qualified party candidates alphabetically (currently only Democratic & Republican). Then Unenrolled & Other political designation candidates.

      I noticed for Auditor it was Bump (incumbent), Saint-Aubin (Republican), Merilice (Green-Rainbow).

  2. Society has a right to expect voters to:
    – Read (or hear) the ballot (including names)
    – Read (or hear) the party affiliation of each name
    – Know the difference between “Charles Baker” and “Martha Coakley”
    – Know the difference between “Republican” and “Democrat” (or other party)
    – Know the difference between “Yes” and “No”

    In my view, a person who cannot or will not meet these four criteria should not be eligible to vote.

      • Numbers don’t matter.

        đŸ™‚

        I do wish I could edit my comments. I added the last bullet at the last minute.

      • I quoted the two names to emphasize that I expect a voter to understand that somebody whose name is “Charlie Baker” is different from somebody whose name is “Martha Coakley”.

        I hope that’s not too onerous a requirement. đŸ™‚

        • I agree, (Heck, I think native voters ought to be able to pass a citizenship test.) but don’t forget such requirements have been used for nefarious purposes.

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