Views proposed voter roll legislation as punishment
I remember the year my mother died. Her neighbor called me in late October and said my mother was very ill, and that she was taking her to the hospital. She called my sister, too, and said that we should both come up to Ohio at once. I never asked my sister what arrangements she made in Arkansas (I called Starkville High and arranged for a long-term sub) and we both arrived at the local airport, about half an hour apart. We spent the next two weeks together; at first, traveling from the house we grew up in to the hospital and back, and then taking care of the estate once she had passed. In the pressure and hurry of the crisis, I made no arrangements for an absentee ballot before I headed out of town. The election was over by the time I arrived back in Mississippi. Needless to say, I did not manage to vote in that Presidential election.
There are all kinds of reasons to be called out of town at the last moment. Even if that happens several years in a row, I see no reason for you to attempt to remove me from the voter rolls. Yes, all I would have to do is respond to a certified letter, but, have you been paying any attention to how long mail has been taking to get places? I just got a nice email thank you for a Christmas card I mailed to a cousin. We’re in February.
Striking me from the rolls feels like punishment for life’s emergencies. I just don’t see the point of this legislation.
Bonnie Oppenheimer
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
