Letter to the editor: There are both pluses and minuses to voting in advance in Kansas

Voting expertise

This year, I have the privilege of voting for the 18th time for the U.S. president. Yes, I am 92 years old. I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and write-ins, winners and losers. My first vote was a primary in 1950. I have voted in every primary and general election — I may have skipped some special votes — for 70 years.

I would like to discuss voting by mail and early voting. Because of the pandemic, I voted by mail for the first time in the August primary. The state sent a letter asking if I wanted to vote by mail — not a ballot, but a request to make sure I am a legal voter.

The form asked for my driver’s license number — what a great way to make sure I am who I said I was. The ballot came with sufficient time to return it before Election Day. The process cost me two first-class stamps.

Early voting is fine, but on Labor Day, we will have just learned who is on the ballot. Let’s take some time to hear from the candidates. Yes, I have a good idea who I will vote for, but I have seen too many October surprises that caused me to think again. Once you vote, there is no changing your mind. Oct. 15 gives voters enough time to cast their ballots, in person or by mail.

Every election is critical, not just for president and vice president, but for senators, representatives, governors, state officials, mayors, city councils and every other office and issue on the ballot.

Whether it is early or Election Day, I hope everyone will cast a ballot. And hope I will be able to vote for the 19th time for president in 2024.

- Bob Dougherty, Overland Park