02/19/2020
With the staryt of absentee voting, it seems appropriate to address voter fraud. The national conversation on this issue is largely a sensationalism of talking points. Here in Ohio, there are two main ways by which voter fraud can be committed.
In the first scenario, a relative passes away, and a family member, knowing their loved on'es personal information, requests--or receives by automatic mailing--an absentee ballot and votes on their loved one's behalf.
Second, when a woman marries, she could request an absentee ballot--or receive one through automatic mailing--and vote under her maiden name, then vote in person at her polling location on Election Day.
It is important not to get hyped up about some of the drama the media on both sides creates about voter fraud. Voter regitration fraud is not VOTING fraud, but the issues are sometimes conflated in the media to incite the public. In Ohio, our Lieutenant Governor Jon Hussted--when he was Secretary of State--took precuations to ensure against fraudulently-registered persons from being able to vote by linking the voter database with the DMV and Bureau of Vital Statistics.
It is also important not to overreact to anxt by some media personalities regarding the likelihood of illegal aliens voting--atleast here in Ohio. Our laws are tigether than those of New York or California, for example.
At the same time, it is equally important not to join in false outrage by some who claim that it is racist of unfair to expect voters to present photo ID when voting. Having worked in the social services I can personally assure you that there are many ways in which a disadvantaged person who needs a photo ID can obtain one. Additionally, this same segment of the population must present a photo ID to receive medical and other social services, and they do. It is disingenuous for public officials and media spokespeople to meslead the general public into believing that people who receive public services don't have, and can't obtain, photo IDs.
I hope this short essay on voter fraud has been interesting for thhose who've read it. I welcome further discussion on the issue. I also hope you will vote for me to repreesent you on the Portage County Central Committee.