Spring Break
Gone to the dogs
Woman's protest to state law was creative and commendable
Spectator staff
Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion
A Washington woman's outcry is top dog when it comes to creativity and effectiveness in speaking out against the government.
Jane Balogh, 66, registered her dog, Duncan M. McDonald, to vote by putting her telephone bill in his name, according to an Associate Press article. Voters only have to show a document with a name and address on it, such as a telephone bill, if they do not have a driver's license or photo ID when registering to vote in Washington, according to the state law. When Balogh's dog "voted," Balogh voided the ballot and signed it with a paw print. She originally faced 90 days in prison, but reached a plea deal requiring her to pay $250 and serve 10 hours of community service.
Balogh was clearly asking for trouble when registering her dog to vote and does deserve the given punishment. But her actions also deserve merit. She successfully protested the law without violence, giving the public the opportunity for the public to discuss flawed voter registration laws.
If the notion that something so ridiculous as a dog registered to vote doesn't get people to take action, it surely will get people talking about registration laws.
Balogh's defiance of the law brings to light how easy it is in some states to register, even if you're not a citizen. Voter registration policy needs to be fixed. Though many voter registration laws are relaxed to allow people such as students to avoid hassles, laws should be strict enough to not let nonresidents vote.
But voter registration reform must be carefully pursued. The public must openly debate and collectively decide on tougher voting laws so that basic liberties are not lost.
Balogh's rebellion is an awesome example of civil disobedience that innocently showed flawed voter laws, but we must be careful when revising these areas so Big Brother doesn't creep through the window.
Jane Balogh, 66, registered her dog, Duncan M. McDonald, to vote by putting her telephone bill in his name, according to an Associate Press article. Voters only have to show a document with a name and address on it, such as a telephone bill, if they do not have a driver's license or photo ID when registering to vote in Washington, according to the state law. When Balogh's dog "voted," Balogh voided the ballot and signed it with a paw print. She originally faced 90 days in prison, but reached a plea deal requiring her to pay $250 and serve 10 hours of community service.
Balogh was clearly asking for trouble when registering her dog to vote and does deserve the given punishment. But her actions also deserve merit. She successfully protested the law without violence, giving the public the opportunity for the public to discuss flawed voter registration laws.
If the notion that something so ridiculous as a dog registered to vote doesn't get people to take action, it surely will get people talking about registration laws.
Balogh's defiance of the law brings to light how easy it is in some states to register, even if you're not a citizen. Voter registration policy needs to be fixed. Though many voter registration laws are relaxed to allow people such as students to avoid hassles, laws should be strict enough to not let nonresidents vote.
But voter registration reform must be carefully pursued. The public must openly debate and collectively decide on tougher voting laws so that basic liberties are not lost.
Balogh's rebellion is an awesome example of civil disobedience that innocently showed flawed voter laws, but we must be careful when revising these areas so Big Brother doesn't creep through the window.
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