Thousands of Texans will go to vote tomorrow without even looking at most of the names on the ballot. Instead, they'll cast a straight party ballot for all of the Republican, Democratic, or Libertarian candidates.
That's just not good for democracy, says State Sen. Jeff Wentworth.
"It appeals to people that don’t want to do any research or check the people out on both sides," Wentworth said.
The San Antonio Republican filed a bill in 2007 to eliminate the straight ticket option. It went nowhere fast but he told us today he's planning to file the same bill again in the upcoming session.
In 2006, the straight ticket option was credited with helping Democrats sweep Dallas county and could be credited with doing the same in Harris County this year.
The state Democratic and Republican parties have always opposed ditching the straight ticket option. They argue that every voter can choose to ignore it.
But reports of troubles this year with straight ticket voting in Texas has some voters complaining that it makes things more confusing.
Wentworth said he needs to to see how Election Day goes before he'll know if his bill has a better shot next year. He added that he did not vote a straight-ticket ballot in this election.
"We have some Republicans who are not the best candidates compared to some Democrats," he said.
I agree that voting straight ticket can be a bad thing... Especially, if you have a bad party or a platform that changes with the breeze. However, my straight ticket vote for the Libertarian Party is a GREAT thing since my party's philosophy never changes. Its platform is always good!
Posted by: John Spivey | November 03, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Forclosures are soaring, jobs are being slashed, and GOP is counting on getting votes?
Why would anyone voted to keep Cornyn/Craddick in power?
Texas is going to be hit by the GOP created Wall Street meltdown whether it admits it or not.
Posted by: Be The Change | November 03, 2008 at 06:38 PM
i suspect sen. wentworth is nearing his final term in office.
Posted by: R | November 04, 2008 at 12:20 AM