Secret-Ballot election for Dem. chairperson

[MarkLV]

Erie County Democrats appear to be headed toward a free-for-all climax to their contest for party chairman following a new agreement between local and state politicos that sets the stage for a secret-ballot election Sept. 29.

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs...120919054/1002



Reading the article, still dont understand what supports secret voting?

And why isn't Mayor Brown one of the primary electees? I may not be his biggest supporter, but am far from his worst detractor. Anyone with an ounce of hope for Buffalo's future can see the benefit of his chairmanship.

[sharky]

in general secret ballots are the cornerstone of free elections
can't be retaliated against if they don't know how you voted

[wolfpack]

sharkey is correct
in general secret ballots are the cornerstone of free elections
can't be retaliated against if they don't know how you voted
if the last gunfight at the ok carral Pigeon and Swarts faced off and every individual in Shea's Buffalo seats stood and proclaimed their vote. The chair repeated the vote and the count went on. people lost their jobs even if their significant other voted for the other guy. Fo those who attended that debacle, they can remember who voted for whom even 10 years later. Lenihan the compromise guy avoided any more of those with unanimous votes despite threats of opposition. this coming event will need a majority in the room so more than one vote will take place. nobody is talking and lobbying continues. eagan offered free eats and drink at his hotel and you know dems love "free" hopefully every gets together afterwards for unity. remember that Brown needs little or no help from the chair to receive (or federal $ either) money from albany for his poor town Masiello might have been a consolidator

[MarkLV]

My question focuses on Erie County Democratic Committee membership voting, not the general public primaries or general elections.

The linked article says secret balloting was not the de facto procedure until 2002.

[fp2206]

In today's news (9/27) the article on the democratic party picking a new chair is such a disgrace.They don't trust each other in proper counting the ballots. What a joke.