NationStates Jolt Archive


A dumb law

Santa Barbara
22-07-2004, 21:16
From dumblaws.com...

"Citation: CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO
ADOPTED JANUARY 21, 1911

Article VII. Elective Franchise
Section 1. [Qualifications of voters; absentee voting; school elections; registration.]

Every citizen of the United States, who is over the age of twenty-one years, and has resided in New Mexico twelve months, in the county ninety days, and in the precinct in which he offers to vote thirty days, next preceding the election, except idiots, insane persons and persons convicted of a felonious or infamous crime unless restored to political rights, shall be qualified to vote at all elections for public officers. The legislature may enact laws providing for absentee voting by qualified electors. All school elections shall be held at different times from other elections."

Now I personally don't think this is a dumb law. If idiots were banned from voting nation-wide, democracy might just be able to work!
Myrdinn
22-07-2004, 21:19
The definition of idiots in 1911 differs a bit with today's. It kind of make sense in that context, although I think I would agree it should work with today's definition! :p
BoogieDown Productions
22-07-2004, 21:20
you should look up the word idiot in a legal dictionary, it doesn't mean what you think it does. It means a person who is mentally disabled.
Eli
22-07-2004, 21:20
except in Santa Barbara of course where there would be no eligible voters ;)
Santa Barbara
22-07-2004, 21:22
Well heh. It works with today's definition even more so. I mean a technical idiot isn't going to have his vote affected by what's on VHS. He'll be lucky to make it to the booth at all.

But today, it seems a lot of intelligent people refrain from voting because they don't believe in the system, whereas all the idiots go out and vote. Several times, if possible....
Santa Barbara
22-07-2004, 21:24
except in Santa Barbara of course where there would be no eligible voters ;)

Hardy har har. That's the birthplace of a future dictator of the world you're talking about, peon!

And yes BDP, I am aware of the meanings of idiot.
Microphobias
22-07-2004, 21:27
But what of the "street" definition of idiot.
Insane Troll
22-07-2004, 21:35
But what of the "street" definition of idiot.

A retard.