Omaha daily bee., 1914-11-08
Nebraska
SHORT BALLOT FINDS FAVOR
Experience with Long One Causes
Much Discussion of New Plan.
RICHMOND AT THE STATE HOUSE
Douglas County Senators All Pick
Their seats for the Session, but
House Members Are Slow
to Act.
tFrom a sad CorrespondentN


LINCOLN. Nov. 7.-(Special. )-Though
four days have elapsed since the election,
as far as results can be given on part
of the state ticket, nothing sure is to be
had. This has had the effect of stirring
up much sentiment for some sort Of a
reform which will enable the people OF
the state to know the result of an cleo
ton at least a couple Of days after the
close of the polls.
The short ballot appears to have many
friends, though there are other reforms
in connection with the counting which
are needed according to those who have
been watching the returns coming in so
- owly.
In some states It is said that a double
election board has solved the problem.
The method of the double board is for a
second board to begin the counting of the
ballots about noon. After the close Of
the polls the board which started in the
morning quits and the board which
started in at noon finishes the count. AS
the count has been kept up very close
to the balloting during the afternoon 1t
only requires an hour or two after the
polls close to finish the count. In this
way the result of the election in the state
is known long before midnight, and the
expense of the second board does not in
crease the costs of the election because
the time in counting has to be paid for
whether one board does the work or two.
II SENS to be the opinion that the next
legislature will find some way to get
quicker results after the polls close OF
I course, the counting of the ballots by
the extra board is not disclosed until the
total count is completed.
Richmond on Deck.
Henry c. Richmond newly elected mem
Der of the house of representatives from
Douglas county. was a caller at the state
house today. He did not select seat
saying that he would prefer to wait until
the Douglas delegation had been placed,
4 I'D he would take seat most convenient
to his colleagues. Colonel Richmond
praised his fellow members-elect, saying
that they were all men of purpose, edu-
cation and ability. And this, he said; ap-
piled to the republicans as well as to the
democrats.
AS TO the speakership, Colonel Rich
mond said he had abundant assurance of
friendly support over the state, but would
be unable to make an extensive personal
campaign.
It's not worth the WHILE" said Rich
mond, land a poor man can't afford to
do 1t. l shall be honored to accept the
place If it comes to me, and I have so
many good friends among the old mem
bers who are coming back that I would
not be at all surprised to be drafted when
the time comes. have some notions
about a strong, vigorous and effective
legislative session. and II chosen to pre-
side I can promise you now that the
houses.w will do some business this winter
and do II fast Too much time is wasted
by dilatory methods-everybody knows
that"
Douglas Senator's Pick Seats.
In the senate all Douglas county MEM
bers have made a selection of seats. They
will occupy the front row OF chairs on
the north side of the chamber, with the
exception of Quinby, who had to take