Op-Ed: The Importance Of Vote-By-Mail

The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Kyle Curtis from Dedham about the importance of voting by mail. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, email samantha.mercado@patch.com.

As a growing number of states consider easing stay-at-home restrictions related to COVID-19, healthcare systems are gearing up for an inevitable second wave of the deadly virus. One of the most time-sensitive measures we should take to protect Americans’ health is to adopt a national vote-by-mail program for Fall primary and general elections. We saw the health risk of in-person voting in the recent Wisconsin primary, after which 52 individuals present at the polls tested positive for COVID-19. We know that allowing voters to mail in ballots – instead of lining up in densely-packed schools and halls – will save lives. This point has been emphasized by Congressman Joe Kennedy III, the first member of congress to propose nationwide vote-by-mail in response to the pandemic. He has also highlighted that vote-by-mail will help strengthen our democracy, which has been assaulted by voter suppression and foreign interference. Kennedy is fighting to expand voting rights, remove restrictions that limit access to the ballot box, and break down barriers to accessing democratic institutions. Adopting national vote-by-mail will go a long way to achieving those goals. Data from states with vote-by-mail programs have the highest rates of voter turnout in the U.S. In addition, vote-by-mail is secure and actually cheaper than traditional in-person voting. Kennedy has drawn attention to this issue and has led the Massachusetts House delegation to call on Congressional leadership to provide $4 billion in support for vote-by-mail this election cycle. I appreciate Kennedy’s leadership and hope that Congress takes the necessary steps to protect Americans’ health and votes.

Kyle
Dedham