The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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July 22, 2006

Our View -- Expand voting by mail

When we make voting easier, more people vote.

Minnesota election law has a long tradition of holding to that maxim. Now, it’s time take the next step in making voting even more convenient.

Lawmakers should consider expanding the vote by mail program passed in recent years. Blue Earth County had a chance to test the new system in the July District 4 commisioners special election. By all accounts, it was a resounding success. The turnout for those provided mail-in ballots was 53 percent, about twice the level of a normal special election.

Current state law allows cities that have precincts with less than 50 registered voters to use the mail-in ballots. Townships and some small cities are allowed to mail ballots to areas with 400 or fewer registered voters. Some school districts also have used mail-in ballots for school referendum issues. Voting by mail is becoming accepted by voters and election officials.

Mail ballots have advantages on a number of fronts. They reduce election costs for counties, townships and small cities. In Vernon Center, for example, three judges need to be hired at hundreds of dollars to help a couple dozen people vote via regular polling places. Costs can be reduced with mail ballots.

There appears to be no reduction in accuracy. In fact, because voters have the ballot right in front of them for a comfortable period of time, they are likely to be more precise in how they mark the ballot. Election officials also can easily verify mail-in ballots by checking voter registration lists. As another check, mail-in voters must have another registered voter sign their ballot.

Voters also may have more time to consider their vote or mull over candidate choices. They have two weeks to 20 days to return the ballot. A voter with a little more time, might be inclined to study more closely the candidates and the issues.

Mail-in ballots, of course, preclude same-day registration, which is a good reason for mail-in ballots to be only one choice in voting options.

Minnesota has long tried to make it easy for people to vote. It has one of the most convenient same-day registration systems in the country. Not surprisingly, Minnesota has one of the highest rates of voter participation as well.

Technology and convenience have long been hallmarks in the business world to improve customer service. There is no reason government shouldn’t apply the same principles, especially when it comes to a service as important as voting.

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