Voting in MA! From Prof. Enrich

Are you registered to vote? Massachusetts voter registration ends on Wed., Oct. 15.

Of course, if you're registered to vote (or eligible to register) in a "swing state," you should be sure to vote there. But otherwise, I'd urge you to register and vote in Massachusetts. You probably won't have much influence on the presidential race here, but there is a very important initiative question on the ballot:

Question 1 would repeal the state's income tax, eliminating 40% of the state's revenues. May sound too crazy to be a serious concern, but six years ago, a similar measure almost passed, and the economic situation may make it more tempting this time around. If this measure (sponsored by the leaders of the state Libertarian party, who question whether government should play a role in matters like education and health care) were to pass, the results would be devastating across a vast range of state and local programs and services. So, it's really important to register and vote here. To register in Massachusetts, you must either submit a registration form to your city or town clerk by Wed., Oct. 15 or have the form in the mail (to the address given in the printed instructions) and postmarked by Oct. 15. You can obtain the form at many government offices or download it and print it out at http://www.eac.gov/files/voter/nvra_update.pdf

I'll be happy to attempt to answer any questions about a) registering to vote or b) Question 1.

Many thanks.
Prof. Peter Enrich