Letter to the editor: Ensuring the right to vote

The Trib reported that the Pennsylvania Legislature is attempting to strip the no-excuse absentee ballot and the permanent early voting lists from the laws (“Race on to alter voting rules,” Jan. 30). We live in the 21st century and have the advantage of modern technology, and should continue to use it to make it possible for each voter to have the opportunity to cast his or her ballot. Elderly voters, those who have unexpected needs to be out of the district, those who fall ill, have to work or travel should not be denied their right to vote. We also deal with unpredictable weather and unforeseen disasters. We are a mobile society and should not be restricted to a 12-hour window twice a year to cast our vote.

Election reforms could include changes such as counting or pre- canvassing mail-in ballots before Election Day and hiring more election department staffers (if only temporary) to count ballots. It should continue to offer voters choices in the manner in which they vote. Improve the implementation of the system; please do not revert to the old methods that suppress the vote.

As Americans, not partisans, we should be exploring every possible avenue to ensure that all those who want to vote can do so.

Garnet Snyder

Greensburg