MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Mon County Democrat Executive Committee has passed a resolution supporting a special legislative session to pass universal vote-by-mail for the November General election.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy,” said committee chair Kathleen Abate, “but no one can predict what is going to happen with this virus. By holding a full, in-person election, voters and poll workers are placed at risk. In universal vote-by-mail, all registered voters would automatically receive a ballot without having to request it. Those who need or prefer to vote in person will be able to.”
“For the primary election going on now,” said Judy Ball, a committee member who has researched and experienced vote-by-mail, “the West Virginia Secretary of State allowed all voters to vote by absentee ballot. However, this requires a two-step process involving sending in a request or application for a ballot, then sending back the ballot.”
“Vote-by-mail would streamline and simply the process, reduce health risks, and save costs for taxpayers,” Abate said.
“Some voters fear that vote-by-mail may lead to election fraud or benefit one party or another,” Ball said, “but there is no evidence to support these claims. We are confident that West Virginia can carry out a safe and secure election by mail.”