Let's face it. People who don't vote come up with a million excuses when they are asked why. Some of those excuses, such as living hours away from home, for example, are more or less legitimate.
Participating in the democratic process should be as convenient and accessible as possible. And casting a ballot should be as easy as picking up a carton of milk.
In states such as Nevada and Iowa, voters can cast absentee ballots at grocery stores and shopping malls. These states are a part of the majority that offer different forms of early voting.
That's progressive. In Michigan you need a state-sanctioned excuse to use an absentee ballot. Although requirements such as being older than 60 and expecting to be absent from your residence aren't exactly Harvard University-quality criteria to get an absentee ballot, the point is it should be easy to vote.
This is why a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Ward, R-Brighton, to allow people to vote at the Secretary of State's office with an absentee ballot a week before an election is a step in the right direction. A baby step, but a step nonetheless.
One might guess that Michigan legislators have held back for fear of endangering voting integrity. With so many publicized stories about voter fraud and mishandled ballots, it'll likely be some time before anything as forward-thinking as being able to vote in a grocery store will be available in Michigan.
Trying to make a voting system work right and holding back from making it easier to vote are two issues that need to be handled separately. This state should tighten its methods while extending easier voting to its citizens.
Nevada already has been allowing its citizens to vote at malls or universities for about eight years. Here, Ken Silfven, spokesman for Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, said the secretary doesn't think Michigan is ready for such advancements.
This is voting, not flying cars and laser guns. The system could be changed with some work.
Some politicians find early voting discouraging because voters aren't given a chance to hear everything they have to say. If anything, an early voting system would push candidates to make a stronger campaign.
In a survival-of-the-fittest voting system, there would be senators wooing voters face to face - contact most citizens will never have with a politician.
As expressed in the November election, even with a media onslaught, voter turnout in America is pitiful. Although that says a great deal about Americans and how much (or little) they value their right to vote, it would be hard to argue that turnout wouldn't have been greater if voting was made easier. Although convenience doesn't necessarily guarantee participation, at least it's one more potential way to grab new voters.
So go ahead, Michigan legislators. Take a serious step to try to ensure everyone who wants to vote has a chance. After all, you were elected by the democratic process. You have a duty to improve it.
