For any republic to function there must be fair and open elections on a regular basis. The one thing that has made the American story so great is the idea that the power belongs to the people. The Founding Fathers knew our elected officials must be held accountable at the ballot box.
Over time we’ve seen multiple attempts to defraud the public with election scams. These efforts undermine the will of the people and tear at the fabric of our state and nation. Last week, the Missouri House of Representatives gave first-round approval to key legislation which insures fair elections.
House Bill 1966 requires voters to present identification at the time of voting. We’re all used to presenting ID to use credit cards, board a plane or drive a car. It only seems logical that you should offer some evidence of who you are when at the polls. Obviously, such an ID check would prevent individuals from going poll to poll claiming to be someone they are not. Many Democrats say this law is unnecessary and that fraud isn’t happening. If that is the case, then why do they fight so hard against voters showing ID? Are they afraid fraud will be exposed?
Other provisions in HB 1966 make voting easier for our men and women fighting overseas. It requires the Secretary of State to establish new, electronic procedures for overseas voters to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot. It also requires that ballots must be printed and available to these voters within 45 days of the election.
The bill also makes it easier to vote absentee by opening up special voting centers for a brief period prior to the election. One provision also removes the current requirement that you must have an excuse for voting absentee. We understand you are busy with your children, work and travel. Sometimes you just don’t have time on Election Day and it would just be easier to get it over ahead of time.
The final version of the bill would become effective upon voter approval of a constitutional amendment. Once again, we are allowing YOU to decide.
This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ruestman: Bill would prevent election fraud
In the latest Ruestman Report, Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, sings the praises of the latest Voter ID bill:
"We're all used to presenting ID..." yeah...and we're all used to paying high gas prices...and we're all used to bureaucrats convincing us to keep spending money...and we're all used to congress passing outrageous legislation...and we're all used to serial killers... and we're all used to (aw hell...you get the idea)
ReplyDeleteI am not sure why this is needed because I have to show ID when I vote now. Is that just in Newton County or all over?
ReplyDeleteDid the County Clerks request and support this bill? It appears that Marilyn has supported another unfunded mandate creating additional work and expense for every county in the state of Missouri.
ReplyDeleteBeware Newton County. Here she comes.
We do need better voting procedures. Electronic voting is what we need, even if at the clerk's office before voting absentee. Absentee votes should be definitely promoted; there are never enough ballots or balloting locations for poorer areas in the state, either. While voting reform is needed, I think there are better ways to do this than just showing your ID at the polls. We need progressive ideas! Not regressive ones.
ReplyDelete