I see in the NY Times that they've drawn the randomized alphabet for the CA recall vote. The new alphabet is R, W, Q, O, J, M, V, A, H, B, S, G, Z, X, N, T, C, I, E, K, U, P, D, Y, F, L. Here's the weird part:
Mr. Shelley, the secretary of state, said random alphabetical drawing had been performed for statewide elections since 1975, following court rulings that determined the standard alphabetical listing of candidates was unconstitutional. Studies at the time, Mr. Shelley said, showed that the name at the top of a ballot typically enjoys an advantage.
So the alphabet is unconstitutional. Who knew?
Anyway, I hope they plan to allow lots of extra time for folks to find the candidate they want. With (I assume) multiple pages and a randomized alphabet, locating the right person is going to be a headache for everyone.
Posted by Jason at August 12, 2003 09:26 AM