I would be okay with the amendments, but my problem is the entire bill. We are lucky enough to have a great SoFA right now, but I fear that at some point, we are going to have someone who has the ability to just change someones vote. I'd personally feel much better if we were to be able to send the votes by secret ballot to the SoFA and the Deputy SoFA. That way, in the end they can do their tallies separate, and if they cant come to the same numbers than we know someone has committed fraud.
I know, I know. I'm paranoid.
As Lewis says, that is the purpose of publication, but I do understand the concern. I don't though feel that the Deputy SoFA would be best placed fo the role, partly because we rarely have one in place and partly because his purpose is essentially to do the SoFA's job should the SoFA be unable - presumably by reason of absence or resignation.
Maybe something along the following terms?:
1. For all elections administered by the Department of Forum Affairs, there shall be the option for all eligible voters to cast their vote by personal message to the Secretary of Forum Affairs (hereinafter 'SoFA') and the Attorney General (hereinafter 'AG'). Votes which are received by either the SoFA or the AG, but not both, shall not be deemed valid.
2. Following the end of the official polling period and prior to the certification of results, the SoFA shall quote all votes cast by personal message and publish them for review by the public and shall offer such reason as he may have as to why any votes cast by personal message were deemed invalid.
3. The AG shall have responsiblity to ensure that all votes cast by personal message accurately resemble those which he received during the election. Where the AG believes that this is not the case, he shall notify the SoFA of this and may, at his discretion, bring the matter before the Court.
4. The SoFA and the AG shall be prohibited from publicly disclosing any information relating to any ballots they may or may not have received with any third party, until after the official polling period has ended. Breach of this rule may result in the loss of office and the voiding of the election at issue.
One issue I've just noticed is the bill doesn't make it clear how the vote editing rules are going to be applied to secret votes.
That the following clause be added:
"The same time period as may exist for the editing of publicly cast votes shall be held to apply for votes cast by personal message. Votes cast by personal message may only be edited by personal message. Votes cast by public post may only be edited by public post."
Proposed as friendly.
