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Biased ballots

Sat., Oct. 26, 2013

I noticed the following on the Nov. 5 ballot: The listing of each advisory vote (for example: Advisory Vote No. 3) contains the choice of filling out an oval for “Repealed” or “Maintained.” The positioning is biased.

I contend that the correct way to display these choices is to do so in alphabetic order. Currently, the choice for “Repealed” is listed first, leading a voter to take a quick look and make a default choice of repealed. The positioning is misleading, and I contend that the ballot is skewed in favor of rejection of the initiatives. Positioning the choices alphabetically would have been completely neutral.

I urge that all future listings of initiatives, including advisory votes, be given a great deal of care as soon as possible.

Neelima June

Spokane

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