Letter: Columnist’s view on early voting shows arrogance

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 | 9:25 a.m.

I found the arrogance of Jon Ralston's column in Sunday's paper offensive. Ralston bemoans the fact that "half the Southern Nevada electorate will vote before all the obtainable information is in ..." He says that, "If you voted Saturday or plan to vote early in the next fortnight, you are either lazy or moronic."

So Mr. Ralston believes that half of Southern Nevada voters, those who want to make sure that they exercise their right to vote during the time prescribed by law, are either lazy or morons?

Are there really that many "undecided" voters at this late date? The campaigns have gone on for months already, long enough for us to become informed of the issues and candidates' positions. I can't see that listening to both sides slinging mud for another two weeks will make any difference on how I would cast my vote.

As far as the potential for voter fraud, it has been reported that both parties are sending lawyers to the states where the margins will be close. It has also been reported that these lawyers have been instructed to make legal challenges to the vote counts and file complaints, even if there is no basis for complaints. Waiting to vote on Election Day is not the answer.

I urge everyone to exercise their legal rights to vote any time between now and Election Day. Read up on the issues, make an informed decision and then stand up and be counted.

D. PHILLIP EVERTS

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