Thoughts from CMU 302

This year’s election is more important than ever. It is safe to say that we all want our country going in a new direction, and who is the best to lead that change? It goes without saying that in an ideal world everyone would be excited at the prospect of participating in such an important point in history, the sad story is that they’re not. There are still many roadblocks in the process and if we take the necessary steps to correcting these problems than I am of the opinion that we all be much better off. Consequently, in a state where we have a “no excuse” absentee voting system the next logical step is to institute a strictly vote by mail system. Switching to an all mail-in system of voting has three advantages; it is more economical, convenient, and has a better chance at reaching disenfranchised voters.

At present the cost of running what is essentially two different kinds of elections is incredibly costly and relatively useless. By eliminating most of the neighborhood polling places the cost of running an election will be drastically reduced. In King County alone there are 528 polling places staffed by over 4,000 workers. Each employee makes about $120 on Election Day plus an additional salary for the four hour training class each is required to attend. All total that is approaching a million dollars per election just for the polling station workers in King County, add to that the necessary equipment and we are throwing away vital money. We are facing several very expensive projects in regard to transportation and several other costly ventures, we can’t afford to be flushing money like this. Reports have shown that upwards of 70 – 80 percent of voters in recent elections have decided to vote through the mail. Meaning the tax payers are putting out millions to pay people to do nothing. Millions that could go to maybe the education or public services.

Additionally, having a VBM system is better able to help promote voter turnout by making the process easier and more accommodating. Having the opportunity to vote by mail allows people to vote when they have the time to seriously consider and get caught up on all the issues. Another added benefit is impact on younger generations. What I mean by this, an adult can sit their child down to watch the physical act of being civiclly engaged. I remember that I never got to witness my mother vote because she had to go during business hours and I was in school. Since mail-in ballots go out ahead of time there is ample time to ensure that your vote has been cast correctly. You don’t have the restriction of voting only during business hours. Your ballot can be cast on the way to school, the office, or after having lunch on the Ave, without worrying about missing any prior obligations. There is no need to stand in long lines waiting for a polling booth either.

Finally, by using a mail-in ballot you can reach people how are otherwise unable to make it to the polling place. Handicapped people will have an easier time of voting. For those who may not have had prior knowledge of the absentee process would be better served because they would no longer have to overcome the physical act of getting to the polls. The low-income workers who cannot afford to get the time off of work can vote. The poor are very under served in this country and it is mostly due to their being underrepresented. Studies have shown that they better off a person is economically the more likely they are to vote, additionally politicians are more likely to listen to those who give most to their campaigns. Essentially the poor are being squeezed out of the political process. This step would be a way of reintroducing them to the process. Highly mobile business people who travel a lot will have a chance to fill out their ballot on the road. Elderly people who would otherwise be unable to go to the polls would be better served. Now, some might ask about people who do not have an address. This too can be easily resolved, these kinds of people need only to register the court house as their address. Clearly, this kind of transition is warranted.

If you agree with the sentiment that I have articulated here please write your representatives in Olympia, the Governor, as well as the Secretary of State. Additionally make use of the no excuse absentee ballot and show that the people themselves are taking back their government.

Additional Resources:

Vote by mail test is proposed

Mail-in ballots give Oregon voters control