Accuracy trumps speed

Many of us have seen former Secretary of State Jim Baker on TV recently decrying the “recount after recount” in Florida. He contends the Gore advocates are stressing the system and causing widespread “anxiety.”

Now, as Paul Harvey said, “Here’s the rest of the story.” Channel 9 featured a panel of Florida election law experts on the Jim Lehrer program. They all reported that Florida laws call for an automatic machine recount in the event of a very close race. If the race still hangs in the balance, a hand count is requested. These two lawful requirements for any close election contest are the pair Baker saw as dooming our democracy. One small irony to all this is that Texas recently passed a similar law which was signed by Gov. George W. Bush. It is a well-thought-out law which simply recognizes that machines are quicker but hand-counting by real people is more accurate. In any close race, particularly one as important as this one, accuracy must trump speed.

Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.