I am just short of 88 years of age and have voted in sixteen elections for president. In those sixteen elections I have not experienced the degree of voter suppression currently existing in this election. Voter suppression exists at all levels of government, where government should be taking steps to ensure all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote, the opposite is taking place.
Republican governors are reducing the number of voting locations and shorting voting hours, in some states arbitrary restrictions are imposed on voter registration. There are reports of bogus ballot Drop Boxes being installed to divert ballots from reaching polling sites. The Postmaster General has removed mailboxes that will make it more difficult for voters to locate and get to a place to deposit their mail-in ballot. The Supreme Court struck down two provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which requires certain states and local governments to obtain federal preclearance before implementing any changes to their voting procedures. We have a president that continues to state that voting by mail is fraudulent, (he and family vote by mail). The FBI has clearly indicated that there is no evidence of any widespread mail fraud in the election process. The peaceful transfer of power should a new president be elected is in jeopardy, with threats of violence, martial law and seized ballots. This peaceful transfer of power is one of the cornerstones of our democracy and an example to the world that a people can govern themselves.
There is however a glimmer of hope that the election will reflect the will of the electorate, that being the long lines seen outside the polling places and the 4,6, and even 10 hour waiting time to cast a vote. It makes it known that despite those who would deny us our right to vote that we will prevail. These people are the heroes of the day.
Gerald Kirwin
Burke