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Voter fraud claims bogus

The controversy over voter suppression in several states should alarm everyone. The right of United States citizens to vote in local, state and national elections is precious and probably the most important right we have. Article IV. Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution states, “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a Republican form of government.” A republican form of government has never been defined, but is generally construed to mean to be a representative democracy. Thus, citizens have the right to vote in all elections. Universal voting should be the objective. Now, several states have enacted or are seeking stringent qualifications in order to vote. Generally, these states maintain they are attempting to prevent voter fraud of which there is no evidence. Opponents argue the intent is to suppress voting by those who do not have the means to meet the requirements and cite past practices of poll taxes and literacy tests. Heed the words of Stephen Vincent Benet who said, “When my brother is oppressed, then I am oppressed.” Twenty-three nations now require compulsory voting by their citizens. In the United States voting is voluntary, but should be foolproof and easily accessible.

Earl J. Barlow

Spokane



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