The record-union., 1898-11-13
Weather Forecast.
For Northern California-Fair Sunday;
light east wind
NEEDED CHANGES IN THE ELEC.
TION LAW

We have an admirable election law,
but it needs certain additions and cor
rections. First and foremost there
should be a requirement that only nren
of acknowledged and welI-known
clerical ability, men of intelligence, ac-
tive brains and clear understanding
should be called to the high and hon
orable office of receiving and canvass
ing the votes of the people. As the
Los Angeles Times we'll remarks:
Never before, perhaps, has the need
OF competent men to receive and count
ballots been made SO apparent as at
the election through which we have
Just passed. Election boards should
be composed of bright, intelligent men.
OF men who are in some measure ex-
pert in the use of the pen and in count
ing. Then such bungling and ever
lasting delay in getting election re-
turns would not be experienced.
But we will not get such men as long
as it is left to political managers to
bring influence to bear in naming the
election boards. It would be far bet
ter to select the men by lot than ac-
cording to present methods Of appoint
ment. In the case of chance the lists
could be prepared in the open. by
courts or other reliable agencies. and
thus insure fair ability being chosen.
Not that all election boards are COM
posed OF incompetent men or that many
good and capable men are not selected.
ie-
lettered and unskilled men manage to
secure positions upon many boards in
sufficient number to render the intel
hgence and skill of the trFght and
qualified men of no avail.
The complaint is especially loud in
San Francisco concerning many of the
election boards, and year after year
the standard of skill and. intelligence
for these boards appears to decline in
that city. An attempt is made in the
law as we have it, to correct the evil
by requiring those officially named to
serve under penalty for failure. But
this does not reach the root of the
trouble, namely, the selection of the
right men in the first insta nee.
The office of receiving, handling and
counting the ballots of American SOW
ereigns is too sacred and lofty a. trust
TO be committed to other than hands
not only competent, but backed by in
tegrity and intelligence of a. high order.
And this can be secured. Citizens OF
the desired qualifications can be had
in plenty to discharge the duty Of elec-
ton officers, and they can be compelled
to serve also.
Another matter concerning elections
viii require an addition to the present
law. A measure looking to such adj
dition was introduced in the last Leg
islature and passed one house, possi-
bly, both, but it did not become a law.
The requirement is one directing the
election board to make out and post a
complete list Of totals Of votes cast for
and against respective propositions.
and for candidates, such list to be post
ed conspicuDusly and securely under
shelter. at the polling place, that all
bystanders may ascertain the result
in the preCdnct. A severe penalty for
removing or tampering with the list
should be provided Indeed, it has been
suggested that the two Inspectors
should be charged with the duty Of re-
naming auard over the public list fol
one hour after the completion of tins
count, and the posting Of the result.
Under the present system even the
most expert newsgatherers are offer
shut out from the results, and at every
election in some precincts, reporters
have to fight through bitter opposition
on the part of weary or disobliging
election officers in order to secure ths
figures before the sealing UP of the Off.
cial tally sheets. In other cases, as il
the late election happened in Sar
Francisco. stupid officers. incap,
able apparently of comprehend
ing the simple, clear and unanl
bigous instruction given in print to eacl
officer, seal up the duplicate return:
required to be kept open by an Office
of election for six months) with tn
original, and thus render it imposslo-i