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This year I requested a mail-in ballot out of curiosity of how the system works.
The online application process performed smoothly.
(I heard from somewhere: "Hey Pap, now you can vote from home. Do you want me to get you a ballot?")
The ballot arrived in a timely manner with complete and clear instructions.
(I heard from somewhere: "Hey Pap, your ballot is here. Can I help you open and mark it?")
The packaging for return was easy and straightforward, asking for a signature to ensure that all regulations were followed.
(I heard from somewhere: "Okay Pap, we have everything marked. Do you want me to mail it for you? Sign here.")
My ballot was received, marked and returned with an email receipt from election officials.
All applicable regulations were observed.
I wonder how many ballots may have been handled similarly to the alternate scenario outlined above, however.
Most Americans agree that fair, unbiased elections are critical to the viability of our democracy.
Moreover, it's important to have the appearance of fairness and lack of bias. I have difficulty seeing those qualities in the process that I experienced.
Any rational person can see the opportunity and, indeed, invitation to cheat with mail-in voting.
Does it happen? Probably.
To what extent? Who knows?
Does it matter? Especially in tight elections, absolutely.
The current process is somewhat like a teacher's distributing the test, leaving the room for the entire period and then accepting the test results as valid.
Let's return integrity to our election process with in-person balloting and voter identification.
I will continue to vote faithfully as my civic responsibility, but under the current system, I will wonder whether my vote made a difference or whether it was countered by a "cheater" ballot.
David B. Smith
Duncansville