This year, I want to be able to choose, along with my fellow Americans, who will be president of our country for the next four years. I am pleading for encouragement of all voting, by mail or in person. I am asking for a postal service that will handle ballots with integrity. I am hoping for no voter harassment. I am hoping that all polling stations are fully staffed and not overly crowded; I am hoping that polling stations in all areas remain open until everyone has had a chance to vote.
I am hoping for a president who encourages all forms of voting and does not cast doubt on the validity of mail-in ballots when he has absolutely no credible evidence for doing so — only the need to try to prevent as many people as possible from voting so as to increase his own chances of reelection. I am hoping that every citizen rejects the disparaging claims that the vote this year is somehow “rigged” and has the courage and motivation to vote this year.
I have the sense, being 68 years of age, that this election is the most important one of my life. Our Constitution, our voting rights, our future existence as a truly democratic nation — all of this hangs in the balance, as if by a thread, this year. Let us choose wisely.
LeRoy Anderson
Salt Lake City