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To the Editor:
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the associated liberal media induced fear numerous people want to vote by mail (similar to absentee ballots.) In fact, some states are encouraging this method of voting by basically using fear even though standing in line to vote is no more dangerous than going to a store. In any event this is a new twist to the voting process and raises a lot of questions. The first question or statement is that mail-in ballots need to be sent in (mailed) in a timely fashion. The second question relates to the response of the postal system. The third question involves the susceptibility of fraud.
In answer to items 1 and 2: the mail-in ballots should be received by the last day of early voting to be counted, thus they should be mailed several days before early voting ends. This will give the personnel at the voting headquarters sufficient time to verify the validity of each mail-in ballot. There should be stiff penalties for any individual or group who in any way interferes with the mail process including destroying/discarding ballots, purposely delaying delivery or altering a ballot.
Relative to item 3 fraud: If any mail-in ballot is found to be fraudulent it shall of course be discarded but it should also be investigated and the associated individual(s) should be prosecuted. One way to prevent or reduce the possibility of persons associated with the mailing process of destroying/discarding or delaying certain mail-in ballots associated with a specific party is to use two envelopes. This is especially true in those areas or states where the return envelope is designated for or has boxes to identify the voter’s party. In these cases a second envelope (outside envelope) should be used. The outside envelope should only have the address of the voting headquarters and a return address but no information relative to a party. The inner envelope should contain the ballot and on the outside of the envelope the applicable party (Democrat, Republican or Independent) designation if required and perhaps a return address label. Thus the persons delivering or handling the ballot will not know the party affiliation until the outer envelope is officially opened for counting the ballot. The other alternative is to not have (not allow) any party affiliation listed on the outside of the mail-in envelope.
Of course each mail-in ballot should have the individual’s social security number, driver’s license number and state or voter identification number and state for verification. This will prevent double voting or counting ballots of the deceased. There have already been reports by residents from some states that they have received more than one mail-in ballot.

J. Ronald Winter
Elizabethton