Approaching absurdity

[komos.livejournal.com]

For a moment, let's leave aside that the most of us in davis_square are fairly left-leaning in our politics. Yeah, it's a pretty radical concept, but hear me out...

For the past month, I have returned home to a mailbox stuffed with 2 or more pamphlets from each candidate in the August 30 special election. I have talked at length with representatives from each campaign who have come to my door, phoned, or both. I have even had the opportunity to speak with two of the candidates directly since they saw fit - even after all of the pamphlets, visits, and calls - to reach out directly to their prospective constituents. After four weeks of this remorseless media blitz, getting more information about who I should vote for has gotten a little old.

That in mind, it's entirely unclear why it's necessary here. Yes, Jehlen is a fine candidate, but enough already. Even if political stumping somehow slips past the "no advertisement" rules of the community (and I have a six-inch stack of candidates' "ads" to send to the first person who believes that there's no marketing involved in the process), I'd like to ask that you be courteous enough to put the lot behind a cut.

Thanks.

Comments

[georgy.livejournal.com]

I've been stunned by the amount of mail I've been getting. I mean, I'm voting for Jehlen and all, but the pile of ads for her (and the other candidates) that I've been accumulating in my recycling bin is kind of ridiculous. I wonder how many people get turned off by candidates due to mail bombardment?

Interestingly, I haven't had any candidates visit (or at least haven't been home at the time of any such visits). Gotta show some love to Winter Hill!

[veda815.livejournal.com]

It's funny, here in Medford I've only gotten ads for Callahan - zero ads from the other 3 candidates. I was really surprised to read that Jehlen had spent the most money because I really haven't seen many ads floating around for her.

[prog.livejournal.com]

I was finally driven to adopt a policy of no longer answering my doorbell unless I'm expecting a visitor, so thick has been the canvassing...

[visage.livejournal.com]

What's *really* funny is trying to express to these people "No, I'm *not* voting in the Democratic primary. I'm not registered as a Democrat."

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Does that stop you from being able to vote in the primary? It doesn't for presidential elections...

[visage.livejournal.com]

It is my understanding that if you're not registered with a party in Mass, you can vote in any of the primaries... but if you're registered with a party you can only vote in that party's primary.

[aspasia02.livejournal.com]

That's odd - in Medford, here, I've only gotten ads for Jehlen (and, yes, they're most definitely 'ads', I have to agree). I had to go look up who running against her, if there even was such a person.

I agree - it's gotten old. Bring Tuesday on.

[uberjay.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's correct. If you're registered in a specific party in Massachusetts you may only vote in that party's primary. Independents can, on the other hand, vote in any primary.

[turil.livejournal.com]

The new term is "Unenrolled", since "Independent" is now acutally a party. And yes, you can only vote in a primary for the party you are registered as.

[uberjay.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks for the clarification.

[komos.livejournal.com]

I'm in Medford as well. I'm guessing that my neighborhood has been deemed crucial by each of the campaigns. Heck, after I wrote this today, I got automated calls from the offices of two of the Medford city councilmen in support of Mackey. It's crazy.

[neitherday.livejournal.com]

What will they do if someone starts up a party called "Unenrolled"?

[komos.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I'm trying very hard not to let yesterday's flist spam unduly influence my choice. I may actually take a moment tomorrow to file a complaint with the Jehlen campaign over the saturation.

I'm also going to request again that political stumping here be subject to the same rules as other ads.

[komos.livejournal.com]

There's really only so many times that you can answer the "who are you voting for?" question before you get fed up.

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

Ugh. I've had my doorbell rung twice (Saturday and Sunday) this weekend by the same Jehlen stumper (his name is Dave, he left a note. Both times). Hello, I live on the third floor. If I'm not expecting someone, I don't answer my damn door.

Enough already.

[two-stabs.livejournal.com]

A+

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

The election timing is strange enough that there is concern about actually getting people out to the polls. This is the kind of election where a few votes really can make a difference, and if you know where the bulk of your supporters are, I guess you do your best to identify and mobilize them.

[komos.livejournal.com]

I understand the reasoning behind it, but I don't think it's unreasonable to request that political stumping be placed behind a cut in this space.

[komos.livejournal.com]

You could lean out the window and have a shout...

WHAT?

WHAT??

[komos.livejournal.com]

My "Post no bills or flyers" went missing at some point.