Comments

• Change the Law on 11/22 06:46 PM

  Nancy - yes, "photo ID's do contain addresses that have been verified by DMV"; however did you realize that the address on your "photo ID" does not have to match your "current" address? An out of state photo ID can also be used, as long as you provide other documentation w/current address - and that is only if you do not complete the form in a BOE office.

• Change The Current Laws on 11/22 06:39 PM

  County BOE can do nothing under the State's current laws. If a person completes a form and hand delivers the form, NO ID is checked. At that point there is no reason for a local BOE to question the residence of a person. If the mail is not returned to the local BOE office, the BOE must "assume the voter resides there" - no questions asked.

• DarrenNC on 11/22 05:53 PM

  TBone85_Regardless if it's GOP or the Democrats I don't care who's pushing the board of elections, they need to do their job. This shouldn't be perceived as the GOP making a political point, let's remember it's Clay Aiken afterall, but stating this is wrong and the BOE should do something about it.

• Nancy on 11/22 08:33 AM

  Photo ID's do contain addresses that have been verified by DMV. At least in NC they do. There is a problem in this country of people voting in two locations though. There was quite a write up in the NYTimes a couple years ago about the 'snowbirds' who live in NY state part of the year, and winter in Florida. They were voting in both states for presidential elections. So someone being around to collect any mail was not the issue at all. There is no database for presidential elections to eliminate dual registration of voters.

• Pat on 11/21 10:49 PM

  ANYBODY can LIVE in ANY county, but "declare another address as their permanent residence", as long as there is a person to accept your mail at the address you "declare your permanent address" at. Photo ID's only verify the person by their picture - not their address.

• Martha on 11/21 07:11 PM

  Tbone, you do make a good point. I have to wonder how frequently the AVERAGE NC CITIZEN, who votes out of precinct, is reprimanded by the Board of Elections? Yep, this sounds like a gop political move, and another way to discredit Mr Aiken by his home town newspaper. I am glad he at least exercised his right to vote as an American, but next time I hope he will do it in his own county. In the meantime, perhaps the newspaper could publish the names of all those who voted outside of their jurisdictions? Just to be fair.

• Hannah on 11/21 12:03 PM

  Aiken is registered Democrat.He needs to start voting in Chatham County from now on.I think Clay and the School Board are vying for attention.

• Nancy on 11/21 08:27 AM

  TBone - good point! Why didn't the board of elections look into it themselves once it was exposed? Perhaps they aren't doing their job? Voter integrity is part of that job.

• Tbone85 on 11/21 08:22 AM

  DarrenNC, if this were an investigation initiated by the board of elections I would agree. The GOP gave it a distinct political smell by going after someone who disagreed with their candidates. How many GOP-leaning voters have they initiated investigations on? The Dems would certainly do the same thing, but from a political standpoint resurrecting this fluff piece is likely to generate more negative than positive. I have a hard time believing either party is looking out for the sanctity of our voting process. Their goals are political advantage, and any improvements to voter access or integrity is merely collateral effect. I don't think Aiken should be given a free ride, I just don't think it helps the GOP to spearhead the effort.

• LHummphrey on 11/21 08:19 AM

  Just remember Clay is a teacher when his voice goes,lets see if he goes back to where his heart is.Dont distract from the real issue.Lets see where the money goes in Wake Co Sch.As I said before get rid of these old principles that cant handle the students and get young blood in there who can.There are some "great Principles out there along with the Assistant Principles I have worked with and still keep in touch,they are the ones we need to keep.Dont let the teacher have to deal with the teaching and the disapline and Principles say, "Dont send them to the office".Give the teachers a break and let them teach.When I was in school you received a letter or call from the principle the child better bring a real good story to tell.You answered to the parent which was worse then the principle.Parent take some responsabilty>.This is all more important then the Clay deal.Sure he wants magnet schools where do you think he got his talent,WCPSS.He is full aware of it,he is paying taxes let that story stop about him and get to the real issues,of WCPSS

• Nancy on 11/21 07:21 AM

  DarrenNC, I agree, showing a photo ID is the best way to avoid voting 'irregularities'. But as we have seen in prior national elections, even some state election boards, the complaint is the cost of a photo ID issued through state DMV facilities. Sad that a few dollars is too much to spend for some to verify their votes and the votes of others, but that is the case. Those without drivers licenses say it would be an unfair burden (cost).

• DarrenNC on 11/21 05:32 AM

  Tbone85, I disagree, we're a democracy we need to take voting serious. And why should we care if he's credible or not, if he voted in Wake county (but lives in Chatham) that's wrong. Where would your draw the line? Nancy, I'd rather people have to show a personal ID than have a national database. Given what's going on in DC let's not give them any more information.

• g on 11/21 12:16 AM

  hmmmm....I guess clay is like all those mormons sending money to places they don't live to defeat measures that are don't even remotely affect their lives....Or all the money being sent to places in other state to defeat or defend issues that do not remotely effect the people who send it....and just who are all these people who have this extra cash to send to political causes...hey..here"s an idea...keep your money in your community to feed the people who are losing their jobs and homes...help those in need instead of some lobbying force in far away states that could care less about your community.

• Nancy on 11/20 11:24 PM

  Tbone85 - he is not a resident of Wake County but he claims to have voted in the runoff election in the county. He resides in Chatham County. This is not a minor issue. Voting rights cannot be abused, by anyone. It just so happens he tipped his hand by his comments that he could have voted illegally. No, he has no political clout, but he brought this issue on himself.

• Tbone85 on 11/20 11:20 PM

  Pointless and petty. The guys not a credible political voice, and the GOP wants to give the story fresh legs? Best case scenario, Aiken's massive political pull in the County is dented because he's not a registered voter. Worse case scenario the GOP looks childish. Would have been smarter to let it die.

• Nancy on 11/20 11:17 PM

  Well, as it should be. Considering all the illegal actions involving voting in this country, this is not to be taken lightly. There are numerous people registered to vote in NY state and Florida as well and many do vote in both places annually, no national database exists. Local elections can be more easily controlled and this discrepancy should be addressed.

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