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The mail-in ballot

By Staff | Jun 10, 2020

To the editor:

There seems to be a big push for the increased use of the “mail in ballot” for upcoming elections. The question is not will the practice cause massive fraud – the question is how much fraud should be allowed? And should the chance of fraud be increased for simple “convenience”?

The mail in ballot used to be called an “absentee ballot,” because it was only used when a voter simply could not get to the polls, but still wanted to vote.

The use of the mail in ballot is becoming a matter of convenience. Not because we can’t get to the polls, but because we just don’t want to. At what cost?

I’m not suggesting that the mail in ballot will cause massive voter fraud. It just makes fraud much easier. Leave your car keys on the hood of your car while you run into the store – neither are likely to be there when you return. The upcoming election is worth far more than your car Some people will do anything to further their agenda.

Voting by mail is more easily abused than voting at the polls.

– Outside influence is not restricted.

– Vote buying schemes are far more difficult to detect when citizens vote by mail. Signed requests can easily be sold (price varies).

– Citizens who vote at nursing homes “are more susceptible” to outside pressure.

– Mail-in ballots have much higher rates of not being counted than ballots cast at a polling place. Many mail-in ballots requested are not counted because they never reach voters or are rejected for irregularities.

– Imagine the impact that it could have in a close election in which mail-in voting is used on a massive scale.

– Voter fraud can simply nullify your vote.

When you vote at a polling place:

– Your identity and eligibility to vote are confirmed on site

– You may not discuss your, or anyone else’s, ballot

– You may not discuss political issues in the polling place

– You may not remove your ballot from the polling place

– If you make a mistake, you can get a replacement ballot

These requirements are not in place with a mail in ballot. With the mail in ballot your signature is the only proof of your identity. If it doesn’t look like the signature on your voter registration card, you will be required to verify that it is your signature within two days of the election, or your vote may not be counted.

You may not drop off your mail in ballot at your polling place on election day, it must be surrendered.

Are we getting too lazy to drive to the polls?

Safety

The polls will be safe. Restaurants are open – beaches are open – stores are open – restrictions are being lifted. Yes – you can safely go to the polls! Voters will NOT be required to wear masks. Poll workers WILL.

How much fraud is to be allowed?

Mail in ballots are still needed for persons who are out of town, or unable, for any valid reason, to get to the polls. The mail in ballot should be used, but not be the preferred way to vote.

If you have an mail in ballot, bring it with you to the polls on election day – surrender it and vote in person.

Bernie Heinemann

Cape Coral