Give states resources to enhance election security, transparency, accessibility | Opinion
Local control
I am deeply concerned about recent attempts by the Trump administration to centralize control over elections at the federal level. (Feb. 9, 1A, “Election chief candidates discuss nationalizing voting”) This overreach threatens the constitutional principle of state sovereignty, which has long ensured that elections reflect the unique needs of local communities.
The Constitution grants states the primary responsibility for administering elections. This decentralized system has protected our democracy by preventing a single point of failure and ensuring diverse approaches tailored to local needs. Nationalizing elections would risk imposing a one-size-fits-all model that disregards state autonomy and opens the door to potential abuses of power.
Instead of consolidating control, the federal government should focus on supporting states with resources to enhance election security, transparency and accessibility. Federal guidance can be helpful, but mandates that strip states of their authority undermine public trust and weaken our democracy.
I urge Missourians and our representatives, such as Rep. Sam Graves and Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, to oppose that which would nationalize elections. Our strength lies in the diversity of our states and the checks and balances that prevent the concentration of power. Let’s protect these principles and ensure elections remain in the hands of the states.
- Emily J. Alford, Kansas City
Real service
Thank you so much for publishing this wonderful guest commentary by Drew Mitrisin about AmeriCorps. (Feb. 11, 12A “AmeriCorps repays Kansas City and the nation. It deserves our support”) We know multiple area residents who served as teachers in that agency . Four years ago, our daughter-in-law started working for AmeriCorps as a regional assistant in the upper Midwest, and her job was not terminated or unpaid.
Drew is a great example of how that service led some to help us in Kansas City and elsewhere.
- Frederick Schuele, Prairie Village
Free speech
I was at a No Kings rally last fall on the Country Club Plaza and returned to the area a couple of weeks later getting signatures on a petition to keep Missouri legislators from eliminating the people’s constitutionally guaranteed right to petition — the irony there. We can automatically do this on public sidewalks.
I am glad that University of New Mexico professor Renia Ehrenfeucht stressed to The Star that sidewalk privatization should include positive affirmation for First Amendment rights. (Feb. 9, 1A, “KC advances plan to privatize Plaza’s sidewalks”) Private citizens who carry petitions for signatures, especially in regard to government overreach, should not have that right abridged — and that is exactly where I see this going.
The right to petition needs to be specifically protected in any agreement regarding Plaza sidewalks. It will become a massive negative for both Gillon Property Group and Kansas City if any agreement infringes on Missourians’ right to petition in the name of expedience or for any other reason.
- Ruth Withey, Village of Loch Lloyd
Camera time
Wow — U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri criticizing the Super Bowl halftime show, and wasting taxpayer money doing so, is just a way to get on camera. (Feb. 12, 11A, “Mark Alford is ‘investigating’ Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show. For being fun?”) Could he be any more lowbrow and pathetic in his attempts to get Donald Trump’s attention?
Congressman, you’re not in Washington to suck up to this corrupt administration for your own self-promotion. You’re there to work for the people of Missouri — every single one of us. If you think we’re stupid enough to fall for your very transparent acts, you might check your own measure of our worth.
Stand up, do what’s right and stop defending and contributing to the corrupt and willful demise of our democracy. If you don’t have the soul and courage to do that, get out of the way. Do your job and stop embarrassing the people of your state.
- Julie Opfer, Higginsville
Truly American
Congratulations to the NFL and Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, for the creative, high-energy halftime show at the Super Bowl. It demonstrated to the world that the United States is a country of diverse cultures joined by its love of music and dance.
Viva Puerto Rico, an American paradise.
- Patrick Riha, Kansas City
Papers, please
Two Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were patrolling the streets of a busy city. Agent 1 to his partner: “See that guy? He looks suspicious.” Partner: “Why would you say that? He doesn’t seem to be doing anything out of the ordinary.” Agent: “Look at his clothing. It’s tattered and dirty.” Partner: “So what?” Agent: “Take a closer look. His hair is a mess, and the color of his skin smacks of an immigrant.” Partner: “You may be correct. Let’s stop him so we can ask some questions.”
Agent, as he confronts the stranger: “May I ask what you are doing here?” Suspect: “I am on my way to work.” Agent: “What is your name and where are you from?” Suspect: “My name is Jesus. I am from Nazareth.”
- Jerry Holmes, Lee’s Summit