[svlug] [Volunteers] Rick knows better re STV , IRV MAM and MAMCALC etc.

[Karen Shaeffer]

On Fri, Sep 22, 2006 at 11:59:48PM -0700, Thomas G. Digby wrote:
> From: Alvin Oga <alvin at mail.Linux-Consulting.com>
> 
> { { {
> 
> i think the definition was:
> 	- show up to the svlug meetings 
> 	- or -
> 	- sign up for the svlug mailing lists 
> 	and you're drafed as a "member"
> 
> [chop]
> 
> ballot stuffing is a problem ..
> 
> } } }
> 
> What's the etiquette/rules on bringing friends who wouldn't otherwise be
> interested in SVLUG to a meeting and having them vote for you?  Is that
> "ballot stuffing" or is it OK?

Hi folks,

Not that I am the election supervisor, but I am an expert on personal
and professional ethics -- and it is on that basis I respond to this
interesting __hypothetical__ case.

First off, SVLUG embraces a _big tent_ mentality towards members. Anyone
who has an interest in Linux and who participates in SVLUG activities
is a _member_. (My understanding. Someone correct me if I am wrong.)

So, friends who have no interest in SVLUG but do have an interest in
Linux could show up and vote for their friend -- and ethically this
would not be a problem. A simple case will demonstrate the merit of
my logic. Maybe these folks know their friend has the qualities to
help SVLUG move forward in a positive way. And they know it because
they are interested in Linux and thus are able to appreciate why their
friend would be a good candidate to be an elected official of SVLUG.
So they show up to help their friend win the election. This appears
perfectly ethical to me. And, as a bonus, these folks will now be
_members_ of SVLUG too -- as they will have participated in a SVLUG
event. Pure serendipity folks! (smiles ;)

On the other hand, if they have no interest in Linux in any way, then
they would be ethically wrong to attend a meeting to vote for their
friend -- and this would indeed be a classic case of ballot stuffing.
(My interpretation. Someone correct me if I am wrong.)

ducks for cover,
Karen (giggles ;)
-- 
 Karen Shaeffer
 Neuralscape, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306
 shaeffer at neuralscape.com  http://www.neuralscape.com