Editor, News-Register:

The results of an opinion poll, dubbed “Bean Poll” because opinions were expressed by placing dried beans in jars, seem to show a majority of Ohio Valley residents want changes in the date of elections and improvements in the way votes are counted. Another poll sampled attitudes toward immigration and diversity in our population. Beyond checking the pulse of area citizens, the purposes of these opinion polls are to stimulate thinking and discussion about government and elections, and to promote awareness that contributes to intelligent voting and good citizenship.

The two “Bean Polls” were conducted at the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 23-25 by Ohio Valley PEACE. Similar “Bean Polls” were conducted at the Pumpkin Festival in the previous 13 years. While festival visitors were invited randomly to participate, those doing so volunteered. The results of these informal polls do give an indication of the sentiment of folks in this area, though a scientifically designed poll might produce more accurate numbers.

Both opinion polls consisted of six questions or statements, each attached to a pair of Mason jars. Participants chose a response by dropping a dried bean in one of the jars.

The poll titled “Elections” consisted of the following six questions with the response percentages:

1. Should elections be on a weekend to encourage people to vote? (77 percent yes, 23 percent no)

2. Do you believe voting machines can be hacked to alter the results? (86 percent yes, 14 percent no)

3. Should super delegates have a role in selecting presidential candidates? (10 percent yes, 90 percent no)

4. Should the presidential debates be open to third party candidates? (87 percent yes, 13 percent no)

5. Does gerrymandering congressional districts skew the results? (85 percent yes, 15 percent no)

6. Should we do away with the Electoral College? (69 percent yes, 31 percent no)

A second poll named “Diversity & Immigration” offered the following six statements, asking participants to agree or disagree:

1. Our immigration policy should be stricter and more exclusionary. (46 percent agree, 54 percent disagree)

2. U.S. support for corporate-dominated trade policy increases immigration. (49 percent agree, 51 percent disagree)

3. Our society is strengthened by accepting and valuing diversity. (88 percent agree, 12 percent disagree)

4. Government should build in advantages for certain groups because of past discrimination. (39 percent agree, 61 percent disagree)

5.  If we provided free education and jobs for all, preferential treatment would be unnecessary. (69 percent agree, 31 percent disagree)

6. Police forces should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. (83 percent agree, 17 percent disagree)

For Ohio Valley PEACE ( OhioValleyPEACE.org ).

John R. Rockwell

Beallsville