The Big Question: Should write-in ballots that don’t accurately spell Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s full name be counted using voter intent rules?

Paul Kawika Martin, policy and political director of Peace Action, said:
As Americans, we pride ourselves on our democracy, flawed as it might be. If someone goes to the polls with the intent to vote for someone, that should be counted. No matter if a chad is not punched all the way through or if creative spelling is used.

Alan Abramowitz, professor of Political Science at Emory University, said:
Yes, of course. It’s clear that far more voters want her in the Senate than want Joe Miller.

Justin Raimondo, editorial director of Antiwar.com, said:
Yes, voter intent is the whole point. However, care should be made that “voter intent” isn’t interpreted too broadly.

This whole issue illustrates the big problem ballot access poses to our “democracy” — getting on the ballot in opposition to the two-party duopoly is almost impossible in many states.