Boston eyeing option for unhappy voters

BOSTON, July 18 (UPI) -- Lawmakers in Boston met Wednesday to discuss a new proposal that would add another option to voting ballots for those voters unhappy with the nominees.

The concept of a "none of the above" option on state ballots was initiated by retired systems analyst William H. White, who told The Boston Globe the measure would give a necessary option to those frustrated with the current voting system.

White also said that while the unusual option would not factor into presidential elections, voters could still use the extra option to make a political statement.

"You could vote for a candidate -- the lesser of two evils or whatever -- and also choose none of the above," White said. "That would signal that this candidate would not have a mandate, even if they won."

The former systems analyst pointed out that Nevada currently uses a similar voting system, but the state's extra option could not affect final winners of an election.

Therefore, the Globe said, the current proposal would make Massachusetts the first state to use such an option that could play a vital role in most major elections.