mangrumsNet

I had read about this court decision out of N.Y. last week but didn't post on it.  After having read this update, however, that is going to change.  This system could now spread to other towns.  Ridiculous!

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. -- The court-ordered election that allowed residents of one New York town to flip the lever six times for one candidate - and produced a Hispanic winner - could expand to other towns where minorities complain their voices aren't being heard.

But first, interested parties will want to take a look at the exit surveys.

The unusual election was imposed on Port Chester after a federal judge determined that Hispanics were being treated unfairly.

The demographics of Port Chester (2000 sensus) were 60.70% White, 6.99% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.06% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 22.98% from other races, and 6.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 46.23% of the population.  To make the vote "fair" the judge has given almost 50% of the population six times the voting influence.  What?!?

"It helped me get elected," said Marino, a Democrat who works in maintenance at the Scarsdale schools. "I will be representing all the people of Port Chester, but I am aware that I can help Hispanics bring their concerns to the board."

What about the poor Pacific Islander?  Should their votes be worth 60 each?  One person, one vote.  If they're too lazy to haul their butt down to a voting booth on election day, you reap what you sow.  Read more at The Washington Post.