Davis Gallery
Senior Voter Suppression
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 4, 2019
Dear Editor,
I am a reasonably fit senior citizen of 74. I am perfectly capable (so far) of “in-person voting” though because I have some “issues” with driving, it is better for me to vote early and nearby. Nevertheless, a couple of years ago when I found out my husband and I could get mail-in ballots we signed up. I like the idea of carefully reading over the ballot in the comfort of my home while I research if necessary. Sure, I can do that in advance, but when there are lots of propositions and/or candidates I need to bring a “cheat sheet” so I don’t make an error and don’t have to feel rushed if the polling place is busy. I think at 74, I have earned that. In fact, I think everyone should be able to do mail-in ballots (or better yet, online voting). I imagine that would result in greater voter participation. I also imagine there are some who would prefer less participation rather than more. I am pretty sure when I signed up I checked a box saying I wanted to ALWAYS receive a mail-in ballot (and I received one two years in a row). When no ballot came this year, I started to investigate and discovered you are required to request a mail-in ballot every year starting in January. I am certain this is new. I saw no notice. I am pissed. It is ridiculous. It is sad that we are so backwards here.
I am a reasonably fit senior citizen of 74. I am perfectly capable (so far) of “in-person voting” though because I have some “issues” with driving, it is better for me to vote early and nearby. Nevertheless, a couple of years ago when I found out my husband and I could get mail-in ballots we signed up. I like the idea of carefully reading over the ballot in the comfort of my home while I research if necessary. Sure, I can do that in advance, but when there are lots of propositions and/or candidates I need to bring a “cheat sheet” so I don’t make an error and don’t have to feel rushed if the polling place is busy. I think at 74, I have earned that. In fact, I think everyone should be able to do mail-in ballots (or better yet, online voting). I imagine that would result in greater voter participation. I also imagine there are some who would prefer less participation rather than more. I am pretty sure when I signed up I checked a box saying I wanted to ALWAYS receive a mail-in ballot (and I received one two years in a row). When no ballot came this year, I started to investigate and discovered you are required to request a mail-in ballot every year starting in January. I am certain this is new. I saw no notice. I am pissed. It is ridiculous. It is sad that we are so backwards here.
Susan James
