For Broward County supervisor of elections
Posted on Fri, Aug. 08, 2008
Most Broward voters need few reminders of the problems in their election system, from the ''hanging chads'' caused by ancient voting equipment that marred the 2000 presidential elections to the chaotic tenure of former Supervisor of Elections Miriam Oliphant to the dispute about a paper trail for electronic-voting machines.
That the elections office now has an aura of calm is thanks to Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes. This simply is not a good time for change -- and any new supervisor who would need to learn on the job. Ms. Snipes, 65, was appointed to fill out Ms. Oliphant's term in 2003 and won office in 2004. She had retired from the Broward school system as the director of schools in the north-central area.
That management experience and five years as supervisor give her the clear edge in the Democratic primary over challenger Adriane Reesey, 48, a community-involvement specialist for the Broward Sheriff's Office. The winner will face Ellen Brodsky, an independent, on Nov. 4. Ms. Snipes has modernized the office and the voting process. She has promoted registration outreach and voter education. Education is important, as voters in this election must familiarize themselves with the third system in eight years.
Ms. Snipes says she will ask for legislative approval of mail balloting in special elections, not just in referendums, and for larger vote centers to replace small, expensive polling places.
In the Democratic primary for Broward Supervisor of Elections, The Miami Herald recommends BRENDA C. SNIPES.
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