Bob Sacks of Copake shared this letter-to-the-editor he recently sent to the Register-Star... And as ever, those submitting letters to any area paper are encouraged to email copies here as well. --S.
Disappointed in the ‘No’ vote of Marcus Molinaro
I am greatly disappointed in the ‘No’ vote of Marcus Molinaro on simplifying absentee ballot forms.I would have expected Marcus, a life-long politician, to go out of his way to respect the rights of voters and his constituents. I would have expected him to understand that simplifying the voting process is what our strong democracy is built upon.
I’m not sure what is more disturbing–the fact that it seems like Marcus Molinaro has joined Greg Fingar’s group who want to disenfranchise voters by making it difficult for people to vote, or that Marcus thinks an open absentee ballot process is a bad thing, when he says, “I think this just confuses the matter even further. . . You need a note when you’re home sick from school… This would negate the necessity of a note.”
Yes, Marcus, in some states an open absentee ballot process is where anyone can file for an absentee ballot for any reason. In fact, you don’t even need a reason. And what is wrong with that? The important fact should be that you vote, not where or how you vote. We should encourage people to vote by making it simple and easy, not confusing and complicated.
I find the whole story sad, sad for all of us. At least there were only five Assemblymen who voted no. So perhaps I should be looking on the bright side, where a vast majority of Republicans and Democrats have come together on this important issue in a constructive and bipartisan way. I do understand Tedisco’s sour grapes on this subject, but I admit that I am mystified that Marcus, who originally signed onto the bill, has changed his mind and aligned himself with a disgruntled few.
Perhaps we can use this no vote to galvanize the press and the public to do the right thing and get this bill passed in the Senate. Senator Saland, where do you stand on this important issue?
ROBERT SACKS
Copake
