Confusing For The American Voter

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31209, 5 November 1966, Page 15

Confusing For The American Voter

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) NEW YORK, November 4. Life in America is often confusing and complicated, and the voting in next Tuesday s election is no exception.

In one case, for instance, a “no” vote means “yes”, and a “yes” vote means “no”. That particular bit of confusion concerns a question on the New York city ballot—whether a civilian review board should be set up to handle complaints by citizens against policemen. The question was put on the ballot by the police themselves after a Court battle and because of intricate wording a “no” vote means “yes” a board shall be established, and a “yes” vote means “no”, a board shall not be established.

Complicated Ballot Adding to the confusion of most voters is the complicated ballot itself. In addition to the question there is one proposition and 11 amendments, as well as the names of the political parties, the offices and the candidates—--97 in all on one ballot in one district of Manhattan alone. When voters come to vote they find themselves faced with a ballot that looks as if it came from a science-fiction film.

Because of this, the New York City Board of Elections has been urging the voter to do homework. “I consider it of the utmost importance if we are to have an orderly, comfortable election that the voters do as much homework as possible so that they can be familiar with the content of the ballot and ready to vote intelligently in the least amount of time,” said Maurice O’Rourke, one of the four Commissioners of Elections.

S.A.S. Exercise.—Troops of the Australian Army’s Special Ai, Service squadrons will leave Lae next week on the first stage of a month-long exercise in New Guinea jungles.—Lae, Nov. 4.