Patrick Kerkstra reports:
The sample ballots circulated by ward leaders in all Philadelphia elections seem to be confusing some voters this time around. These aren't official ballots in any way, just a list of the candidates who've been endorsed by your local Democratic ward leader. In some cases, ward leaders are urging local residents to vote for Obama for president but to choose Clinton representatives to be delegates to the Democratic National Convention. This is just so much insider maneuvering: a ward boss might prefer Obama, but still wants to see a political ally who backs Clinton get the chance to attend the convention. The only vote that counts in the presidential contest is the one at the top of the ballot. Voting for Clinton delegates or Obama delegates won't impact who wins the state.
Muddling the picture still further is the fact that some of these sample ballots appear to be getting distributed in the wrong wards. In other words, you could be getting the recommendations of a ward leader from another part of town.
There's one sure way to cut through the confusion: exercise your own judgment and leave the sample ballot at home.
I am voting Obama. Period. PA, we Going to make History today if we all vote Obama today and end the politics of special interests like Mark Penn's NAFTA. People are using us to make millions; imagine getting $55million only in speaches? To who? The same people they give contracts! That has got to end today. Vote for change.— Smart- Keep your EYSE open people of PHILADELPHIA they are trying to pull the wool over yur eyes with this ballot stuff. THE Clinton people are really trying to seal the election somebody make sure the TV stations hear about this.— EagleNation1961
- Keep your EYSE open people of PHILADELPHIA they are trying to pull the wool over yur eyes with this ballot stuff. THE Clinton people are really trying to seal the election somebody make sure the TV stations hear about this.— EagleNation1961
- It's time for chance OBAMA 08!— prez_beck
- Don't let them take a Historic moment away from us Vote OBAMA & HIS DELEGATES in 08— EagleNation1961
- When I tried to vote for State delegate it wouldnt light up on the republican side. I think the fix is in, but Yea for president the buttons worked fine I believe— Jp85
- The 10,000 men should be monitoring this very closely.A chance to make a grand opening statement, regardless of the weather.— Yankee Air Pirate 12
- Your right "perz_beck" you are take a chance with Obama.— romanoj
- Vote for Hillary it is the right choice— JBARRR789
Comment removed.
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
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