Letter - Time to ensure honest process is before the vote

To the editor:

For the three local officials in a recent commentary to praise the “only 153 felon cases convicted in 2008 out of 2.9 million voters” is outrageous. It is extremely difficult to prosecute voters after the fact, and unless each registered voter is closely scrutinized, no one knows the difference. Unless, of course, someone takes the time to compare voter registration lists with lists and addresses of felons, illegal immigrants, and others not qualified to vote. Local governments do not take the time to do it after an election.

The time to ensure an honest process is before the vote takes place. If a voter is not registered, he or she should show a state ID in order to vote. It is not hard to get one. Most of us have a driver’s license. If someone cannot afford to buy a state ID, the state will provide one.

I believe election judges do the best they can under the circumstances. State law already provides for voter ID. However, the law also allows a voter to vouch for up to 15 people on Election Day without any form of identification. That is the problem.

What is wrong with ensuring integrity in our elections?

Karen Thul

Alexandria, MN

(A paid political letter)

Tags: opinion, letters