Possible Source of Voter Fraud

With the 2010 primary already upon us, I have voter fraud on my mind. I have seen reports of individuals showing up at homes to help fill out absentee ballots. Reporters have asked who has access to personal information about absentee voters and the answer is that nobody is aware of the fraud until after the ballot is cast. But, they might be wrong.

My husband and I requested ballots by phone. We were mailed a form to fill out and return.

The form asks for full name, address, phone number, date of birth, voters’ ID Number and signature. The instructions then state that the bottom part of the card should be torn off and the upper part is to be affixed with a stamp and mailed.

Removing the bottom portion of the card leaves all personal information exposed to public view. Such a request is reckless and irresponsible. We wrote a note on the portion of the card that was supposed to be removed and stated we had left it attached to protect private information. We then folded it over and attached a piece of tape.

But, that didn’t seem satisfactory either. It would be easy for someone to remove the other part, get the information and send the remaining portion on down the line. A separate envelope would give more protection. But someone looking at the addressee could likely determine the contents. The envelope could be opened up, the information taken, a stamp placed on the single card and it would arrive looking the same as all of the others.

We can hardly wait to get our ballots and see if they can be tampered with in the same easy manner. Perhaps the method of absentee voting differs by county, but be alert. Please share any personal concerns.