Letter to the editor: COVID-19 makes it even more important to mail in ballots

Mail them in

With steps being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19, now is the time for Kansas’ Legislature and governor to take the necessary steps to ensure we can vote by mail without fear of spreading the virus.

Ballots should be mailed to all registered voters in Kansas 20 days before Election Day, with postage prepaid on return envelopes.

This procedure would allow all Kansans to participate without the fear of contracting or spreading the virus, while increasing participation in the voting process. It would also allow poll workers, particularly older people, to avoid unnecessary exposure.

By using paper ballots that can be scanned by an optic reader as soon as they are received, we would have timely, accurate results on election night. If a recount proves necessary, we would have a more reliable paper trail, as opposed to electronic files.

This process would eliminate the need to waste precious taxpayer dollars on expensive software and voting machines that will become outdated and are subject to hacking. No long lines at polls. No poll workers placed at risk. No need to miss time from work. And no spreading of the virus.

Keeping our people safe, controlling the spread of COVID-19, saving money, increasing voter security and — most importantly — involving Kansans in the electoral process are all sound reasons for our elected leaders to act and to act promptly.

- Barry R. Grissom, Leawood