Daily Kennebec journal., 1922-03-24

made the following statement to the
Journal, yesterday, referring to the
reported interview with City Clerk
FSOuthard.
Since my name was used in the
article in question, it would seem to
be fairly up TO me to explain how
and why the order was introduced.
Please understand that this is done in
no spirit of unkindly criticism, and
that | do not wish for one minute to
imply that those who have the duty
Of preparing the lists have intention
ally neglected any part of that duty
1t has seemed to many, however, that
tho full intent of the Primary Law, so
far as it refers to the preparation OF
enrolment lists, was not carried out,
with resultant annoyance and confu-
sion. both to the ballot officials and
to those who We're attempting to vote.
1t is felt that serious consequences
may take place ct the June Primaries
unless the enrolment check lists arc
put in better shape for ready and
convenient reference.
THE order was presented at the
request of citizens whose disintcrcst-
cd motives cannot be questioned II
was passed by the Common Council,
for reference to the City Solicitor.
(not to the Committee on Ordinances,
as vas stated). 1t was finally tabled
ny the Aldermen, probably because it
vas felt that the State law covers
the case sufficiently. and that any ac-
ton on the Part of the City Council
would be suporfluous. l will frankly
admit that the order was presented
largely as q concrete basis for a gen.
eral discussion which might, perhaps.
lead to some constructive action. l
have no quarrel With the stand taken
by the Aldermen; but l must confess
that l was disappointed to find that
50 little interest was taken in
Strengthening out matter that is so
BADLY in need of correction.
1t is no eXaggcration to say that
there is general dissatisfaction with
the lists which were used at the last
primary election, chiefly for the fol-
lowing reasons:
1.-The arrangement of names was
not strictly alphabetical.
2-The names were not classified
by wards.
3-The names Of some who had en-
rolled were left off.
The complaint is made that the
unsatisfactory condition of these lists
caused inordinate delay in checking
voters, with consequent irritation to
those attempting to vote, and much
additional labor for the officials at
the polls. 1t is also complained by
many that this condition offered un-
Que opportunity. encouragement and
temptation to such as might be in
clincd to take advantage of the con-
fusion for the purpose of voting H.
legally.
1T is suggested that it would be
we'll for everybody who is interested.
which should include every voter in
the city, to take some means Of i'm
pressing upon those who have the
duty Of preparing the enrolment lists
the advisability Of revising the old
lists. or of having new lists prepar-
ed, before the June Primaries: such
lists to contain the names of all who
have enrolled up to n given time: the
names to be arranged in strictly al
phabetical order The ballot officials
in each ward should be provided with
lists which contain no names other
than those of persons entitled to vote
in that ward, and in which sufficient
space has been left under each letter
for the insertion Of names of those
who enroll late as nearly as possible
in their proper places.