Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PE APAC Explanation: This Measure would take away your current choice of being able to vote at either a polling place or by mail during a Primary or General election, leaving you only the vote-by-mail option. We oppose the Measure, and recommend a No vote.

PEAPAC Commentary and Recommendation: We oppose this Ballot Measure for three reasons. First, this Measure would, in our opinion, increase the opportunity for voter fraud. The Scriptures tell us that men love the darkness for their deeds are evil (John 3:19). It is much easier to sin while concealed. Sure, someone could go to a polling place and vote in someone else’s stead. But this would take a more brazen person than doing the same thing via mail.

Second, this Measure is part of a whole series of attempts to increase voter turnout. But we think it could actually discourage active, informed, and educated involvement in the political process. Do we really want to do anything we can to encourage someone to vote, when they may not be actively involved, interested in, or educated about the process? We think not. In the Bible, voting is by means of a show of hands. While we don’t want to be wooden in our interpretation, it seems some act of congregating shows at least some degree of commitment to the process of electing godly men and women. Vote by mail seems a dumbing down of the political process.

Third, this Measure is unnecessary. Current law allows you to sign up for permanent absentee status, meaning if you want to, you can already use vote-by-mail during each of these elections. Whether we are aware of it or not, customs are important in the Christian life. To take away a person’s ability to chose to engage in the custom of polling place voting is unnecessary, it increases the likelihood of fraud, and discourages active involvement in the political process.