Letter: Protect absentee voters’ rights

To the editor,

Minnesota has always worked to make sure that every eligible voter who wants to vote is able to do so. Problems with the current cumbersome absentee-ballot system surfaced during our endless U.S. Senate contest.

The legislature has several bills that will help avoid our “absentee ballot problem” in the future.

One bill (HF1113 – The Early Voting Bill) would allow citizens to vote during the 30 days before the general election. This is expected to benefit those with uncertain schedules and the elderly or ill who might have trouble standing in lines. It is also expected to be less expensive for cities to administer than the absentee ballot process.

Another bill (HF HF1351) seeks to resolve some of the problems identified by our U.S. Senate recount. Examples include:

Matching driver’s license or ID numbers replace the current required signature match.

A ballot board will receive returned absentee ballots, determine if they are acceptable, and notify voters whose ballots are rejected.

The ballot board will count the absentee ballots on Election Day, relieving election judges.

Please urge our legislators to support these important election reforms and prevent future absentee voters from being disenfranchised because innocent mistakes were made. Rep. Pat Garofalo can be reached at 888-667-3337 or rep.pat.garofalo@house.mn. Our legislators appreciate getting thoughtful input on legislation.

Bev Topp,

Eureka Township

Tags: opinion, absentee, voter, rights