Time to Tell You How to Vote

More disturbing whisperings on Capital Hill. George Will just put out a column detailing the new "Count Every Vote Act." The bill is sponsored by Sens. Boxer (D-CA) and Clinton (D-NY) and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH). It has a few provisions that I take a little bit of umbridge with. Notably:

* All states will have same day vote registration and voting (similar to Wisconsin)
* The right to regulate elections would be managed by the Federal Government rather than the
individual states
* States would be required to have no-excuse absentee voting and to conform to new federal
standards regarding mandatory recounts, provisional ballots, poll workers, early voting, voter
waiting times and many other matters.
* Convicted felons currently out of prison would be allowed to vote

As someone who believes strongly in the rules of Federalism, these acts give a great deal of pause. My firmest belief is that the individual states should decide matters of public policy in how it relates to them from elections to gay marriage to gun control. What works for the people of Maine does not necessarily work for the people in Arizona.

Someone more steeped in law, like Mrs. X, would probably also be able to point out how allowing convicted felons to vote would violate the 14th amendment. I imagine this act is being pushed as a way to "ensure that every vote is counted" but it opens the door for fraud and further consolidation of government bureaucracy. I think I can effectively stand as a no vote in this matter.