What makes you think that all the absentee ballots are going to those in favor? Sometimes the sheer excess of publicity (and has there ever been more for any other issue?) prods those who might not expend the effort to actually go vote to send for an absentee and then vote no just because all the advertising is so irritating.

I’m going to make two assumptions about future activities of the Guardian judging from its comments in this particular case. 1) It will be chastising the Republican party for its “tawdry” actions when its political machine cranks up and does exactly the same thing with absentee ballots in the 2008 election (which it did in 2006) as is being criticized as part of the “get out the vote” campaign by Community College supporters; and 2) BG will be just as critical of those gathering funds from opponents of the Community College and spending it in the same manner as those who support the proposal are (i.e., why is it wrong for one group to raise and spend money but alright for the other). Who knows, maybe there really ARE more people in the two counties supportive of the concept, and who are therefore willing to put their money where their beliefs are. (On the other hand, if all those belonging to what would seem to be a non-well-to-do opposition chipped the first year’s taxes they would otherwise pay upon passage of the election into a campaign against the plan, they’d be money ahead in the long run wouldn’t they)?

I’m not sure how this creates more work for the County Elections. How is it different than any other request for an absentee ballot?

The Counties themselves often promote absentee voting as a way to reduce volume at the polls, and as Stephen noted, absentee applications are regularly used this way by political parties and other organizations. Attempting to buy an election is nothing new, but not always effective, remember Prop. 2?

I’m ambivalent on this one, inclined to vote yes, but I am concerned how this will impact existing higher education programs (that we already underfund) and wonder how we can adequately support CC programs on the measly proposed budget.

However, opponents that choose to use the prepaid request mailed out by the Yes on CC group should note that the request first goes to the CC group, who then submit the request to the County, rather than directly to the County. So you save a stamp but will be on the Yes on CC contact list. You can decide if that’s worth saving $.39.

EDITOR NOTE–
–Extra work is in the number of ballots alone.
–I believe in city election for example you go to city hall to vote absentee.
–We oppose ANY misuse of the ballot. Control, delivery should be non-partisan.
–County clerk sends daily e-mail to interested parties of all requests for absentee ballots, so you get on the lists no matter what–it’s a public record.

“No civilization in history has ever bankrupted itself educating its people.” -Unknown

“Classrooms cost far, far less than Jail Cells.” -Unknown

“Just because a fool tells you it’s raining, doesn’t mean the sun is shining.” -Confucious

I would suggest that we already have unlimited opportunities in southern idaho to get a 2-yr. college degree in multiple subjects. This community college is a develpers dream, as in the words of the Idaho Staesman’s article, ques. #4- How much will it cost taxpayers?-Quote ” No one knows.” One of their famous editorial answers, for sure.

VOTE NO on this boondoggle gift to our developer lovers of concrete jungles and money and you will VOTE YES FOR THE TAXPAYER! Any one who wants to appear with me at a local TV ” interview” on stopping this thing, please e-mail me at [email protected] or call me at 426-8097.

Not trying to pick, but thanks for the clarification. Your criticism of the liberal application of “absentee” is legitimate, but who is to going to check on your “excuse”?

My question is, where do you draw the line? For example, my Mom has several friends in nursing homes. She usually picks up several request forms and gives them to her friends. Now, they did not directly contact the Clerk themselves and request an application. Is it only acceptable that she distribute these if she has no point of view on the issues?

Guardian, why are you picking on a campaign for using legal tactics? There’s plenty of other ammo to use, for or against the CC proposal, that’s much more relevant. Your criticism of the absentee system and campaign laws are just more appropriately directed at the County Clerks and the Legislature.

Of course it is impossible to prevent someone from voting twice, just as it is impossible to prevent a lot of crazy things. It is however, a felony. We’re more likely to be victims of fraud or deceit in the “simple computer ballot at the polls” than the current absentee system. I just think you’re straining at a gnat here, as there’s far more potential for shenanigans in a completely vote by mail system that you say you support. You may find it distasteful, but I smell a herring.

Vicki, actually we DON’T know what the cost will be. We are only voting on creating a community college with the State Board choosing the directors who will then set the rate. It could be a $4million increase, it could be as much as four times that, perhaps even more.

What’s even more interesting is the fact that the supporters are now saying that they are not sure that the classes they have been touting will even be offered.

I would have no problem with this campaign if it were run honestly with all relevant information put out to the public in a comprehensive and transparent way. But every day a new caveat is exposed.

And I sure don’t want my property tax dollars used so that someone in their forties or fifties or sixties or seventies can use the college as an entertainment center or a place they can learn foreign languages to further their world travels. They can spend their own money on those pursuits. And yet those are some of the reasons advertised why we need a community college.

The questions have been answered, Anne. This “debate” is a good exercise in watching a few people repeat the same questions over and over again, despite having them answered from several sources. They repeat the same questions, of course, because they don’t want their taxes raised, no way no how. So they pretend that they’re not “getting the full story.”

The community college will follow the model of the College of Southern Idaho and North Idaho College. These schools work, they have worked, and they will continue to work. Why is this so hard to grasp?

This community college push is simply another special interest group (just like ACHD or the CCDC or BSU) trying to influence enough votes to create yet another entity that has taxing authority.

We do not need another taxing authority. ALL THE TOOLS ARE ALREADY IN THE LAW TO CREATE Colleges – all the legislature needs to do is create it – it appears they do not see the need.

Also there is NO guarentee that costs will be less – this is like buying a car and not knowing what your payments will be before you sign on the dotted line – not a smart move.

OK – I just checked with a friend who has actually seen the ballots coming in. My SOURCE says your numbers (FACTS) are wrong. So, let’s see you correct yourself. Get the facts, just like you claim you do.

EDITOR NOTE–See the updated figures posted at the end of the story above. Indeed, the GUARDIAN is totally accurate. If your friend has numbers significantly different than the GUARDIAN, your friend is simply uninformed or a liar. It would be impossible to be more accurate than the person who tallies the figures–the Ada County Clerk.

Please don’t force me to chase rumors to defend my honor again.

I wasn’t calling you a liar – you story was just decieving. The percentage of returned ballots does not really equate out to buying votes. That’s waht I meant by National Enquirer – you sensationlized the story tremondosly. If you are going to provide facts, provide all of the facts. And, thanks for providing all of the facts – even if we had to beg for them. So, why when you were asked to disclose your source didn’t you just say the person at the ADA Co. Clerk’s office?

EDITOR NOTE–Where are the figures YOUR source offered?

I voted YES to a community college and am thrilled we may be able to have this school soon. I voted for it because I believe its our responsibility as citizens to publicly fund education. It’s wrong to say you don’t want the community college because you’re not going to use it or don’t want to pay for it. It’s even more wrong to say you don’t want it because you don’t want growth. Our children need affordable education. If you weren’t going to use a new elementary school, would you vote against that too? How about a new road, or a new exit from an existing road … would you vote against that just because you didn’t use it?

For me, it is simple. If a “Yes” vote will raise property tax rates or sales tax rates, I will vote “No”. If the funding for the proposed community college was based on the income tax, I would vote “Yes”.

We need to move away from property taxes and sales taxes and towards income tax to fund the needs of society.