Washington Post Blogger ecourages voter fraud!

Posted on January 4, 2008

Andre’s Martinez - identified as a lawyer, which to me explains his questionable ethics - writes for the Washington Post’s blog answering questions about things political. He is asked about voting in more than one presidential primary. The question is from someone in NH so the obvious place to start would be the NH RSA’s. The Question:

How to Vote Twice — Ethically

Dear Stumped,
I am an active participant in my state’s political process and look forward to voting in our first-in-the-nation primary on Jan. 8. However, between Jan. 8 and Feb. 10, I’m moving across the border to Maine for a new job. My party’s primary is Feb. 10, and Maine law allows voter registration on the day of the vote. Furthermore, I will be a legitimate resident — renting a room, paying taxes, and remaining in Maine to live, work and vote.

Is it illegal or unethical for me to vote in both primaries?

The answer:

Dear E&O,
Yes, by all means, vote early and vote often. You should feel no moral qualms about voting in more than one caucus or primary, especially if you are moving for legitimate nonpolitical reasons. Each state’s primary is a discrete election for delegates, and there are often local races or propositions on the ballot, too. So if you meet the residency requirements to register in your new home state, go for it.

The problem is that NH RSA 659:34-a Voting in More Than One State Prohibited, declares exactly what he suggests to be a felony in NH. Th should know, I was in the NH Senate when it passed and we were very clear that the behavior he advocates is a Class B felony!

He actually goes further and suggests that the person go from state to state multiplying his felonies. But then I am no lawyer, I just helped pass the law - what do I know?

» Filed Under dirty tricks, voter fraud, Democrats, Presidential Primary, National Politics, New Hampshire, NH Politics