# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=260 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 261 --- ## [What wacky ballot measures did you have to vote on today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wacky-ballot-measures-did-you-have-to-vote-on-today/703620)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wacky-ballot-measures-did-you-have-to-vote-on-today/703620 "2014-11-06T18:56:44Z")
The candidates get the big headlines, but the ballot measures can sometimes be even more important. I’m wondering what wacky ballot measures you got to vote on today. Here in Georgia, there was a ballot measure that wou… --- ## [Cancel the midterms!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-the-midterms/703840)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-the-midterms/703840 "2014-11-06T18:03:24Z")
This is two days before the election, but I figured its worth posting because I predicted this was coming: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/03/opinion/cancel-the-midterms.html?\_r=0 I realize that these are nobodies, but … --- ## [Wendy Davis for Governor of Texas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wendy-davis-for-governor-of-texas/662685)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 291\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wendy-davis-for-governor-of-texas/662685 "2014-11-06T12:13:00Z")
She won’t rule it out, anyway. Does she have a chance? --- ## [Disconnect between the results of the races for elective office and the ballot measures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disconnect-between-the-results-of-the-races-for-elective-office-and-the-ballot-measures/703812)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disconnect-between-the-results-of-the-races-for-elective-office-and-the-ballot-measures/703812 "2014-11-06T07:46:13Z")
First of all, the Democrats clearly lost, and lost big. There were structural issues regarding which Senate seats the D’s had up, but there’s no question, these elections were a romp for Republicans running for office al… --- ## [How will the Moral Monday movement affect politics in NC & the South?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-moral-monday-movement-affect-politics-in-nc-the-south/681900)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-moral-monday-movement-affect-politics-in-nc-the-south/681900 "2014-11-06T06:43:02Z")
The Nation article here; Wiki article here. So far, all MM has tangibly accomplished is to file a lot of lawsuits. But they have high hopes. So: Will this movement fizzle out like OWS, or will it get somewhere, perh… --- ## [Most Physically Attractive Candidates in Mid-Terms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-physically-attractive-candidates-in-mid-terms/703754)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-physically-attractive-candidates-in-mid-terms/703754 "2014-11-06T05:06:03Z")
I know I am a little late, but better late than never. We all know those intellectual types that vote on things like “the issues” or whether or not the candidate is evil or not, but around here on the SDMB, I know we vo… --- ## [Voter ID law with 9+ year's notice in advance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-law-with-9-years-notice-in-advance/702066)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2014, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-law-with-9-years-notice-in-advance/702066 "2014-11-06T00:57:12Z")
Question for those who oppose laws requiring voters to produce ID to vote: The usual protests are “Inconvenience, cost, transportation.” And if very little time were given as notice in advance, such a requirements may n… --- ## [Ads Paid for by Secret Money Flood the Midterm Elections on the GOP side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ads-paid-for-by-secret-money-flood-the-midterm-elections-on-the-gop-side/700994)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ads-paid-for-by-secret-money-flood-the-midterm-elections-on-the-gop-side/700994 "2014-11-05T23:52:43Z")
Well, mostly, but Democrats do it too - sometimes. Dark money What burns me up is that in spite of the tax code, these organizations retain their tax free status. Based on their activity, they might as well be PACs, … --- ## [Politicians in TX seem to have stopped mentioning their party. Is this happening nationwide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-in-tx-seem-to-have-stopped-mentioning-their-party-is-this-happening-nationwide/703534)
**Author:** [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-in-tx-seem-to-have-stopped-mentioning-their-party-is-this-happening-nationwide/703534 "2014-11-05T22:41:08Z")
In the recent election’s advertising, I’ve seen a complete lack of party identification. The Republican and Democratic candidates for state legislature and local races don’t identify their party. And while I think few pe… --- ## [Is Coakley going to blow it again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-coakley-going-to-blow-it-again/696925)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-coakley-going-to-blow-it-again/696925 "2014-11-05T22:09:41Z")
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/ma/massachusetts\_governor\_baker\_vs\_coakley-3266.html A recent poll showed her up by only 3. The latest Boston Globe poll now has her BEHIND by 1. What is it about he… --- ## [What do the 2014 midterm results mean for 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-2014-midterm-results-mean-for-2016/703751)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-2014-midterm-results-mean-for-2016/703751 "2014-11-05T18:30:35Z")
It’s never too early! There might be a few bright spots for the Democrats (or maybe not): The Republicans might revert to the talking filibuster, or ditch it altogether. I strongly hope this is the case. At the ver… --- ## [Last Senate Predictions Before The Polls Close Tonight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-senate-predictions-before-the-polls-close-tonight/703627)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-senate-predictions-before-the-polls-close-tonight/703627 "2014-11-05T17:47:29Z")
What the thread title said: before the polls close tonight (I think Kentucky leads the way at 6pm tonight), make your call on how the Senate turns out. You can get specific about races, or just give a net total, as you … --- ## [Who Did You Vote For-2014 Midterm Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-you-vote-for-2014-midterm-edition/702978)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-you-vote-for-2014-midterm-edition/702978 "2014-11-05T16:26:03Z")
My first ballot (for the State of California): Governor: Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Lt. Governor: Gavin Newsom Secretary of State: Alex Padilla Controller: Betty T. Yee Treasurer: John Chiang Attorney General: Kamela … --- ## [Harry Reid: Filibuster Reform Will Be Pursued In The Next Congress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harry-reid-filibuster-reform-will-be-pursued-in-the-next-congress/640513)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 361\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harry-reid-filibuster-reform-will-be-pursued-in-the-next-congress/640513 "2014-11-05T16:12:14Z")
--- ## [Florida gubernatorial election 2014](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-gubernatorial-election-2014/681026)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-gubernatorial-election-2014/681026 "2014-11-05T05:12:44Z")
Florida gubernatorial election, 2014. The first-term incumbent is Republican Rick Scott, who is seeking re-election. The most prominent Democratic challenger so far is ex-Governor (and ex-Republican) Charlie Crist. So… --- ## [Why do they project winners with only a few% precincts reporting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-project-winners-with-only-a-few-precincts-reporting/703691)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2014, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-project-winners-with-only-a-few-precincts-reporting/703691 "2014-11-05T01:00:25Z")
I understand some candidates are expected to win in a blowout, but with closer races why not wait until, say, 90% of precincts have reported? --- ## [Could we prevent gerrymandering by having citizens determine election boundaries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-prevent-gerrymandering-by-having-citizens-determine-election-boundaries/703313)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2014, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-prevent-gerrymandering-by-having-citizens-determine-election-boundaries/703313 "2014-11-04T15:08:20Z")
Proposals for how to better redistrict to minimize gerrymandering tend to be either having a bi-partisan or non-partisan human commission decide or a completely automated algorithm. With human commissions, it’s always an… --- ## [A thought experiment about eligibility to vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-experiment-about-eligibility-to-vote/702396)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-experiment-about-eligibility-to-vote/702396 "2014-11-03T14:51:41Z")
I am strenuously opposed to voter photo ID laws, but I live in Texas, so I am stuck with it for the time being. I suspect it will be overruled by SCOTUS as a poll tax, but even that will not make the issue go away. Hav… --- ## [Minnesota's junior senator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minnesotas-junior-senator/699181)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minnesotas-junior-senator/699181 "2014-11-03T02:52:11Z")
Just curious. Is Senator Franken on track to retain his seat? --- ## [Why not move tax day to Oct. 15?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-move-tax-day-to-oct-15/702334)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-move-tax-day-to-oct-15/702334 "2014-11-02T15:26:09Z")
Republicans often joke that if election day was Apr. 15, they’d never lose an election. But while you can’t move election day, you can move tax day. And in an era when Democrats are doing everything they can to set the e… --- ## [Scotland's referendum on Independence 18 Sept 2014](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-referendum-on-independence-18-sept-2014/679356)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 861\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-referendum-on-independence-18-sept-2014/679356 "2014-11-01T09:12:07Z")
Is it too early to start an election thread on Scotland’s upcoming referendum? I’m particularly interested to gauge the weather on feelings in Scotland at the moment. We have, so far, had little open discussion on this … --- ## [Should Republicans (or Democrats) Accept Orman if They Don't Need Him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-republicans-or-democrats-accept-orman-if-they-dont-need-him/703056)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-republicans-or-democrats-accept-orman-if-they-dont-need-him/703056 "2014-11-01T02:17:55Z")
Kansas Senate candidate Greg Orman has campaigned as an independent. He has said that he will (or at least will likely) caucus with whatever party has the majority. His race is currently the closest in the country, accor… --- ## [Idea: Tax Deduction For Voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idea-tax-deduction-for-voting/689004)
**Author:** [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2014, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idea-tax-deduction-for-voting/689004 "2014-10-31T03:34:57Z")
This should probably be IMHO but what the heck. Given the expenses for voting such as fuel, purchase of a driver’s license/identification, and time, there should be a deduction on the federal tax return to offset the mo… --- ## [An elected official resigns mid term - will that affect your vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-elected-official-resigns-mid-term-will-that-affect-your-vote/702950)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2014, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-elected-official-resigns-mid-term-will-that-affect-your-vote/702950 "2014-10-30T02:32:46Z")
Inspired, of course, by Sara Palin, but not about her. An elected official resigns from one position, for the sake of argument about dead center into it. You probably voted for this person. The resignation is not due to… --- ## [Question: Student voting in NY state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-student-voting-in-ny-state/700436)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2014, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-student-voting-in-ny-state/700436 "2014-10-29T18:31:13Z")
As has been mentioned elsewhere, my daughter this year began attending university in NYC. She did register to vote in California in May (and voted in the primary in June, I proudly add), and this week received in our mai… --- ## [National Referrenda - good idea or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-referrenda-good-idea-or-bad/702510)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2014, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-referrenda-good-idea-or-bad/702510 "2014-10-28T02:02:27Z")
The 10/24-weekend episode of The McLaughlin Group included a discussion on the possibility of having the ability to have a nationwide referendum - not on anything in particular, but just the idea of being able to pass la… --- ## [Best Supporting Role in a Comedy/Drama Nominations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-supporting-role-in-a-comedy-drama-nominations/701295)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2014, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-supporting-role-in-a-comedy-drama-nominations/701295 "2014-10-22T17:11:49Z")
Methinks the front runner for the win in this category has to be the delightful Cylvia Hayes, the fiancee of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who has added “buying a illegal pot farm with her abusive boyfriend” to previous re… --- ## [Angus King and the growing role of independents in the U.S. Senate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angus-king-and-the-growing-role-of-independents-in-the-u-s-senate/702146)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2014, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angus-king-and-the-growing-role-of-independents-in-the-u-s-senate/702146 "2014-10-22T13:43:59Z")
Sounds like he’s trying to play a constructive role, unlike many of his colleagues (and I say that as a stalwart Democrat): http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/21/politics/angus-king-independent/?cid=ob\_articlesidebarall&iref=obn… --- ## [Obama votes in Chicago; gets warned by jealous boyfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-votes-in-chicago-gets-warned-by-jealous-boyfriend/702054)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2014, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-votes-in-chicago-gets-warned-by-jealous-boyfriend/702054 "2014-10-22T13:42:54Z")
Just kidding, POTUS: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/21/politics/obama-early-voting-jokes/index.html?hpt=hp\_c2 --- ## [Did you vote in your state's 2014 primary election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-vote-in-your-states-2014-primary-election/698119)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-vote-in-your-states-2014-primary-election/698119 "2014-10-21T16:46:04Z")
Now that all the states primaries have concluded, did you vote in the 2014 primary election in your state? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=259) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=261)