Delaware has all the tools in place to make early voting and vote-by-mail function securely.
This enables greater participation in the voting process, especially for the many working Delawareans who may have two jobs and may not be granted time off to vote. It also makes it easier for those with physical limitations or for those who are immune-compromised due to medical treatments or conditions to vote.
In a democracy, we encourage participation, and we have the technology to do this.
In the last election, for those who felt it was only safe to vote in person, I have firsthand stories of voters faced with long lines and wait times over 45 minutes, and having to go back to work without casting a ballot. There was a line in a dark, unlit field at North Star Elementary School. This is not right.
Other states have managed vote-by-mail for years. As an example, in Colorado, voters receive a summary of candidates’ stances on key issues along with their ballots.
There are false narratives out there implying that ballots are mailed to everyone. That is a blanket statement without describing the application process, identity verification and measures that ensure one person/one vote.
The Republican-appointed Christopher Krebs has vouched for the security of our 2020 election and the extraordinary measures taken to ensure the security of the election, including the paper ballot backup.
Let’s get into the 21st century!
Cindy Richards
Hockessin
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
