David “None of the Above” Gatchell
c/o NOTA-TN
PO Box 680266
Franklin TN 37068
Dear Mr. Gatchell:
When I first read of your thwarted attempt to get your “None of the Above” nickname on the election ballots for governor and senate, I was compelled to write and scold you for attempting to mislead the voters and gain votes that may be issued to you unintentionally. Here in California, a grandmother was recently forbidden from using the nickname “grandma” on the ballot, and I am still not certain why.
My initial feeling was that one should be able to use a nickname if it was adopted prior to the person’s bid for office, or if the nickname obviously had nothing to do with politics. But after looking at your website I have a better understanding of what you are doing. It’s difficult to believe that only one state currently gives voters the “none of the above” option. Your plan for recruiting NOTA candidates in other areas is very clever, and I hope it works.
I do still have a concern that some voters might be confused. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get voters to be interested enough to vote, let alone to learn about what the candidates are up to.
Truly,
Liz Mann
