A Big To Do About Mail In Ballots

With just 55 days remaining before election day, mail in ballots have become the big talking point.  Over the last six weeks and as a consequence of the current health crisis, mail in balloting has moved to the forefront of all political discussion.  Some states have begun to send out blanket mail in ballots, providing anyone the opportunity to cat a ballot by mail.  Others are adhering to their previous policies requiring anyone who wishes to vote by mail to request a mail in ballot, typically called an absentee ballot.

Those on the left argue this is the best way to ensure, under the current health climate an restrictions, everyone has an opportunity to vote.  Those on the right contend such a program is open to fraud and misuse and would result in States being unable to declare a clear winner immediately after the elections.

Here at Get Out To Vote we try to remain as neutral as we possibly can.  We believe everyone should exercise their right to vote but we do not believe in compelling those who do not wish to take advantage of this unique right to cast a vote.  We also believe States have an obligation to require proof of eligibility to vote and individuals have an obligation to provide the same.  Blanketing a state with ballots sent out to every address and not to those who have demonstrated eligibility would be a mistake.  If States wish to send out ballots in this manner, they must amend their laws to reflect how they intend to ensure only those eligible to vote cast a vote.  They must have in place laws and procedures to assure each voter his vote is accurately counted.  Most state legislatures are not in session and have not taken up any motions to address mail in voting.  With fewer than 60 days remaining it is doubtful all states would be able to implement procedures and address the many potential issues with blanket mail in voting.  The General Election where a President is being selected is not the time to experiment with ad hoc solutions to this problem.

I am sure there are readers on both sides of this issue and we would love to hear your concerns or lack there of.