Editor’s note: This commentary is by John Freitag, of Strafford, who served for 19 years on the Strafford Board of Civil Authority participating in and monitoring elections.
The partisan nature of mailing ballots to all voters in November has obscured some fundamental questions regarding this issue. So what beyond the current political squabble is of importance if we are to match our hard won universal enfranchisement we enjoy with the best actions we can take?
First, all elections held in this year of Covid-19 need to be held to the same standard. It makes no sense to insist on mailing ballots to all voters for reasons of safety in November and then allowing “in person” voting for school budget elections now being held at a time of maximum danger. To have different standards depending on what type of election seems like an effort to tip the outcome and is contrary to building faith needed for the preservation of this most sacred institution.
Second, we need to seriously question the assumption that making it as easy as possible in order to get the most votes results in the best outcomes. Our founders, who studied the republics of the past were well aware of the fragility of this type of government. They understood the need for checks and balances, and how popular will, which could be swayed by unscrupulous leaders playing on people’s fears, could lead to disaster. In this regard Plato may have been the harshest critic having seen his mentor Socrates forced to drink hemlock by the assembly of Athens after unfounded rumors and slander.
Finally, it might be wise to consider that there be some minimal effort made in order to vote. The policy adopted by the Rivendell School District provides an example. For their school budget vote, applications for absentee ballots were sent to all voters in the district and the process was explained and people were encouraged to use this most safest process to vote. They also provided for some limited and safety regulated “in person” voting as well. Having to take the step of sending back the application indicates a minimal interest as well as decreasing the likelihood, no matter how small, of ballots being improperly used.
The value of something is often enhanced by having to invest something in it. The simple act of walking up the hill to the 1799 Stafford Town House to cast my vote on election day has always filled me with gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices that were made and of my role in this ongoing experiment of government of the people and by the people. Whatever action we take in this year of Covid-19 needs to be that which will most strengthen our democratic process and not what might be best for short-term political gain for any side on any issue.
