An Open Letter to Tennessee State Senate Candidate Tim “I Want a Recount” Barnes

Posted by Mary Mancini on August 8, 2008 under Uncategorized |

Dear Tim Barnes,

Congratulations on a well-fought race against Senator Kurita. The race was so close in Tennessee State Senate District 22 (the fightin’ 22nd!) and the fact that incumbent Rosalind Kurita beat you by only 19 votes is a testament to your hard work and dedication to your campaign.

Due to the closeness of the race, it is completely understandable that you would want a recount. It’s the smart - and right - thing to do.

But there is one thing you should know - a recount is an absolute waste of time.

You see, the machines used in both Montgomery and Houston counties are electronic. So, to get vote totals for each machines, an election official merely presses a button. A “recount” for these machines means pressing the same button and getting the same totals. There will be no difference at all in the numbers you get after the recount.

Now, if Tennesseans used paper ballots to vote (and they will in 2010) and those paper ballots were the lawful ballot of record, then you might actually be able to see exactly how the voters in The Fightin’ 22nd voted. And rather than rely on easily hackable electronic machines that spit out the same results no matter how many times you request a “recount,” you would have tangible pieces of paper that represent the real intent of the voter.

Congratulations again on a well-fought contest. And good luck in 2010.

Your pal,

Mary