Beyond Labels

A 360° Discussion of Foreign, National and Local Policy Issues

Notes: 17 July 2017

Ralph Chapman (legislative site, news)

Water testing labs in Maine: there are about 20 of them in Maine, including some certified labs for specific water districts.

 

Direct Shipment of Alcoholic Beverage

 Repeal of Prohibition

Craig Hickman  (legislative site , blog, biographical article,  Wikipedia Article, Annabessacookfarm Blog, Article on his election  )

Excerpt from a speech (as posted on his blog)

Madam Speaker, women and men of the House, this morning I was disturbed by the stench of a steaming pile of manure that I considered this biennial budget to be and had every intention of voting against it.

Book on Google Books

Status of National Popular Vote  (Wikipedia)

Gerrymandering article in WaPo

Pricenomics discussion

Redistricting in Wikipedia

Redistricting in Maine

Studies of Voter Fraud 

Rigging in Cook County (Snopes–false)

History of Election fraud in Chicago

National Voter Registration Act

Sunlight Foundation Article on Secure Voter Registration Data

 

For July 17: Voting in the US (and Maine?)

Next Monday, we plan to discuss a variety of topics and current events having to do with the US voting system. Possible sub-topics include:

  • OK, so the Russians tried to “hack” our election. What happened, and what can be done to safeguard the integrity of the system?
  • Every ten years, there’s a scramble to gerrymander congressional districts. While some of the most egregious cases are being resisted by the courts, there must be a better way. What is it and how could it be implemented (assuming the Dems and Reps wouldn’t be big fans of a more neutral system)?
  • Maine’s voters have approved a ranked choice voting system, which will presumably be implemented over time as constitutional issues are resolved. Is this a “better way” to tally votes, and should it be adopted by other states?
  • What other safeguards are appropriate or necessary to ensure that our elections are free and fair?

See you next week!

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