Election Integrity

Many voters are still concerned about election integrity. They ask me what can be done to assure the votes, ALL the votes, get counted properly. The general answer that they receive is to not worry, the system is fine. Of course, they have their doubts and even Hillary questioned the 2016 results.

Here in New Hampshire we have three polling locations that were found to have mishandled ballots. So telling people every thing is fine is less than satisfying. While we know that three locations in the state have had problems, we don’t know what we don’t know (for the youngsters that’s roughly from Rumsfeld). The problems in Laconia had been going on for a long time and yet were just revealed. Where will the next discovery be made?

If the people are not confident in their elections, one of their first thoughts is ‘then why bother voting.’ Fewer voters gives more control to those whom have a higher incentive and receive special privileges from their government.

We need more voters not fewer. We need to turn out voters at such a high number that it overwhelms their ability to rig the system. We have to have faith that justice with prevail.

Another thought just popped up over at GraniteGrok. Ken Eyring suggests contacting the Secretary of State’s Special Committee on Voter Confidence.

Others are working on grassroots solutions. Check out The Resolve for some ideas. As is all in politics, we sometimes need to respectfully disagree. I support John Plumer over their preferred candidate for senate in District 2.

There is no quick and easy solution. And even if there were we would still need to remain vigilant to maintain a legitimate election system. Have faith, be hopeful, and most of all take action; bring your neighbors to the polls on September 13th.

Belmont Sample Ballot

My recommendations for the upcoming primary on September 13th.

As we approach the primary I’m oft asked for my opinion on candidates in the Republican primary.  I’m grateful that people trust my analysis of the candidates. 

We are all getting loads of glossy mailers these days, particularly if you are on one of the various lists of regular voters.  Of course, these postcards are mainly sent by those seeking national, or statewide offices.

Often there is less information available for those of us lower down on the ballot.  Having served in the statehouse for the past 10 years, I am familiar with many candidates and have personal knowledge of their qualities.

For Governor, I am supporting Karen Testerman.  She is a proven reliable conservative candidate with a strong familiarity of NH government.

I’m torn on US senate candidates. Bolduc, Mansharamani, and Smith each have great promise and I’ll gladly support the winner in replacing the current dud.

In CD1 I have endorsed Tim Baxter.  I know Tim will NOT become a swamp creature if we send him to D.C.

For state senator I am supporting John Plumer.  John has always been one to tell you what he would do, and then follow through with his actions.  He is easily the most reliable candidate for state senate.

In state representative district 4, I ask for your vote.  I have 10 years of experience in the statehouse, a solid Republican voting record, and the time to commit to the task.

Sheriff Bill Wright has been excellent in the job, a true professional.

Register of Probate is an interesting position.  Upon request I’ll detail the history of this office.  Cutting to the chase, this is a race for a seat in the Republican party leadership.  Marc Abear is the superior choice.

County commissioner is a rather sad elected office, they serve to rubber stamp the actions dictated by the county administrator.  Yes, that is a cynical viewpoint, I’ve watched them come and go; nothing changes.  Dick Burchell was the last to try to apply a bit of integrity to the office, may he rest in peace.  Fran Wendelboe has shown her Republican cred and gets my nod.

Finally, delegates to the state party.  Both Doug Trottier and Nikki McCarter will be delegates by virtue of winning their uncontested primary. Both Susan Seaferd and Travis Toner would be good delegates.  Only one can get the spot in D4. I recommend writing-in Susan Seaferd in D8. I don’t have any information about Margo Racicot, sorry.

My sample ballot is available if you’d like to print it out or share.

September 8th Primary

Vote Mike Sylvia

We are counting down the days until the primary and there is good news to report; there are currently no active cases of COVID-19 reported in Belmont by NH Department of Health and Human Services. If you have symptoms of the virus it is best to vote absentee or wear a mask and wash your hands if you go to the polls. The WHO reports “SARS-CoV-2 transmission appears to mainly be spread via droplets and close contact with infected symptomatic cases.”

We should remain vigilant to risk associated with COVID-19 but we do not need to live in fear. I’ll see you Tuesday at the Belmont High School between 7 a.m and 7 p.m.

Vote Mike Sylvia