CaseyJones
02-03-2014, 11:50 AM
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/02/01/bill-would-allow-nh-voters-to-vote-none-of-the-above/
A bill that would add the option of choosing “none of the above” on New Hampshire ballots seems like a quintessential proposal for the first-in-the-nation presidential primary state that prides itself on having discerning voters.
But even the measure’s sponsors say it’s probably doomed, with one acknowledging that it would be humiliating for a candidate to be defeated by no one rather than an actual opponent.
Sponsor Charles Weed, D-Keene, says voters should have the chance to express their dissatisfaction with all the candidates for a given office.
“Real choice means people have to be able to withhold their consent,” Weed said. “You can’t do that with silly write-ins. Mickey Mouse is not as good as ‘none of the above.’”
Nevada is the only state where voters can cast their ballots for “none of the above.” The U.S. Supreme Court last month refused to hear an appeal by Republicans seeking to remove the option from the ballot.
A bill that would add the option of choosing “none of the above” on New Hampshire ballots seems like a quintessential proposal for the first-in-the-nation presidential primary state that prides itself on having discerning voters.
But even the measure’s sponsors say it’s probably doomed, with one acknowledging that it would be humiliating for a candidate to be defeated by no one rather than an actual opponent.
Sponsor Charles Weed, D-Keene, says voters should have the chance to express their dissatisfaction with all the candidates for a given office.
“Real choice means people have to be able to withhold their consent,” Weed said. “You can’t do that with silly write-ins. Mickey Mouse is not as good as ‘none of the above.’”
Nevada is the only state where voters can cast their ballots for “none of the above.” The U.S. Supreme Court last month refused to hear an appeal by Republicans seeking to remove the option from the ballot.