Letter: Election integrity demands honest, open procedures

Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 | 9:06 a.m.

With less than 11 months until what will undeniably be one of the most crucial presidential elections in the history of our country, Americans must make certain that this election is legitimate in every way. There must not be the slightest opportunity for politicians to contaminate an election this time.

Voting machines must be equipped with relatively inexpensive "paper trail" verifiable receipts presented to each voter designating their chosen candidates so that there will be no question as to which candidates actually win this election. This is not only an intelligent use of our taxpayer money (for a change), it is also of vital importance.

And unlike the year 2000 voting debacle, we must also demand proof that all votes are counted and that this time minorities, our military members and all other registered voters will be able to cast their votes on clear, uncomplicated ballots.

Also there must be no possible excuse for any state to stop the vote counting or to "lose votes" as occurred in the year 2000 "election." Special attention is required regarding voting procedures in Florida, where, as so many Florida residents alarmingly declare, there has not been an "honest election" in many years.

The millions of Americans who take the time and effort to vote in our country deserve honest, above-board pristine elections. It is up to all of us to demand no less than perfection in our voting processes, one of our most precious constitutional rights.

Let's all make certain that we never endure a repeat of the 2000 presidential "election" catastrophe in 2004 or in any future American elections.

TONY DIMAGGIO