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July 17, 2006
Bad, Bad, Bad Idea
I was born and went to high school in Arizona and half of my family lives there. This is a BAD idea:
There's going to be a new reason for Arizonans to go to the polls this year: They could win $1 million.
The Secretary of State's Office certified Thursday that backers of the voter lottery plan had submitted more than enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
But the measure is worded in a way to actually encourage people to vote both in the primary this September as well as two months later when the actual initiative will be on the ballot. If it is approved in November, it will be retroactive: One lucky person who voted in this year's primary and another who cast a ballot in the general election each will get $1 million.
This is no different than handing out crack to people who register to vote. Not only is it unethical to buy votes, but it is unethical to buy voting.
Voting is voluntary in this country and we do well with people who don't care staying home. If they don't care enough to vote because they live in a democracy and want to better their country, then we should not entice such people to the polls with money.
The money would be better spend on civics education in the state. This is absurd and something I think both parties should reject.
Posted by Aaron at July 17, 2006 07:48 AM
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Comments
This is a goofy idea, but you know how it is; you're asking the folks who could qualify for the million to vote on whether they should have the chance.
Posted by: Brainster at July 17, 2006 12:53 PM
I am willing to bet that most people who gamble, especially a lottery, vote for one particular party.
Posted by: DoubleU at July 18, 2006 08:28 PM
I would disagree. Two words: Bill Bennett.
Posted by: Aaron at July 19, 2006 08:03 AM