Questioning security of mail-in voting
How secure is our mail-in ballot system?
I mailed in my ballot, but after placing it in the envelope and sealing the flap by pulling the plastic adhesive protector and firmly sealing the envelope, I later removed the ballot by cutting the bottom fold open.
I then placed the ballot back in the envelope and glued shut the cut bottom fold.
If this was someone else, I could have changed the results or placed another ballot of my choosing back in the envelope. I believe the current system is not very secure. There is no control of the chain of custody and it’s ripe for fraudulent events.
I received my notice from the Hawaii Office of Elections that my ballot “… has been received, validated and accepted for counting.”
I find this disturbing as to how easy it is to do this, and I’m in a wheelchair with the limited use of my right arm and hand, the result of a recent stroke.
The mail-in system needs to be improved.
And, by the way, I took a video and pictures doing all this as proof of how easy it is.
Roger Schweitzer
Volcano
Let kupuna go to front of the lines
Please publish this kind of crazy idea and recommendation: How about our community finds a way to extend a general courtesy to all kupuna by allowing them to advance to the front of the line in all institutions that have lines?
These institutions include supermarkets, banks, post offices, government buildings, DMV, small businesses, etc. I recommend this because as a senior (77) with a senior husband (80), I/we experience very long wait-times in various lines.
I do not mean to be entitled or expecting special treatment, I am merely saying that getting up there in age leaves one with a bit less stamina than what the youthful years afforded. I have sometimes waited for 30 minutes or more in a line, and this is that unusual of an occurrence, especially during holiday times.
Food shopping and/or mailing packages can take up a good part of the day for those of us who move a little slower these days. It’s the standing in place that is trying and tiring.
So, which brave institution will be the first to step up and help implement a plan like this? Which grocery store or post office will understand that most of us will eventually get up there in years, and wouldn’t it be nice to know there is a supportive community out there willing to help?
My husband and I want to do our own shopping and chores as long as we can. It just would be nice to not have those efforts frequently turn into a test of endurance.
Really, this idea is not so crazy. And maybe next time folks are out shopping or doing other errands, they might offer a senior to step in front of them in line.
If anyone reading this happens to be someone who’s already doing that, mahalo to you!
Aloha has so much wisdom; it always does the right thing.
On a side note, my second recommendation is to God: God above, whom we’re told is good, please bring down the price of food.
Galen Kelly
Hilo