Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-09-20

Its eitlclency. We dic hot 9"i
to learn that its operation in New York
is a signal success. No doubt itwould
be equally so in this state, but the
pressing question TO every legislator
who was urged to enact il would be,
rs the game worth the candle"
"Would the gain be enough TO com
pensate for the expense and the
trouble?"
i In New York state, things are done
differently. While politics here Is a
lpastime there ii is business. Having
at stake the immense patronage Of the
Empire State, ii is essential that every
step in the election system from notice
of primary to certifying the result
should be carefully prescribed by law.
In this way only can the voice OF the
people prevail against the subtle
seheming of marplots.
The New York primary law first
makes itself felt when the voters 90 to
register. In Vermont, We know
nothing Of registration, but in most
other states certain days are set apart,
shortly before an election, on which
voters must take steps prescribed by
law in order that their names may
appear on the registration or check
lists, thus emitting them to vote where
they are registered. When they 90 to
register, they have also the oppOrtu-
nifty to enroll, which is done in this
way Blanks are provided which they
fill out in secret, stating that they are in
sympathy with a certain party desig-
mated and propose 70 support its
nominees at the coming election
These blanks are then placed 10 envel-
opes and the voters name written on
the outside. The envelopes are sealed
and deposited Ia a box where they
remain until after the election They
are then taken out by the election
officers. each blank examined and the /
name OF the voter entered according
to his political utilization as therein
expressed on rolls made up BY the
officers. These rolls are placed in the
custody Of an officer corresponding to
our town clerk and there remain
until about the time for the political
primaries OF the following year They
are then at the disposal of the primary
boards. There is provision Tor adding
the names Of new voters. OF those who
have moved in from other districts
and Of any who failed 10 enroll before.
All names on the primary voting list,
as finally made up. must be those In
with the party with which
they are enrolled and who have not
supported the nominees OF any other
party since the first of the previous !
year. That is the test of party men,
5ership. All persons 20 enrolled have |
The right to take part in their party ,
primaries, and none others have this
right. Thus one can see how carefully n
may be guarded from the Z
of those who are out OF
with the cause they are
designed to promote. It Is utterly
impossible TOR a Democrat to take part }
n Republican caucus, or vice versa. G
The whole primary machinery is in /
he hands OF the regular election I
'tiicers. The Democratic members of
] district election board control the
Democratic primaries. and the Repub-
lean members, the Republican. Due !
'ublic notice Of the holding Of prima- !
les must be given. There is no such \
hing as a "snap caucus" in New York. |
L the primaries, everything is con.
ucted with all the thoroughness that
our Australian system. \
'oting is done in secret. The results r
re announced orally and certified to
ne officials who make up the ballot, or {
} the committees on credentials. IL I'LL I
] convention primary Even the +
arty conventions are conducted ac-
ording to law, with officers bound by
ath to execute IT, All is very differ y
ut from our 'go-as-you-pleasen way.
he expense Of the primary system in
ew York is borne by the state. 4
The basis OF the New York law is ;
1nditions as they exist. The political \
arties are recognized in a way that |
INST chill the heart Of the Mugwump. =
nder the New York system, there is
d much encouragement for new
lrty movements. In Wisconsin. on z
e other hand. method is proposed 3
doing away altogether with partyi
inventions and having nominations
ade by primaries held under legal
rection. In all states where there is =.
i now some adequate primary Ia