To the Editor:
The midterm and general elections are fast approaching. But unbelievably, Sumter County still requires us to buy stamps to return our mail ballots. It’s only 50 cents, but any amount is too much to exercise our most important right. I’d argue that having to pay postage is indeed a poll tax, and poll taxes are banned under the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Beyond any constitutional questions, though, is the moral issue. The fact is, not everyone has easy access to a post office. And not everyone can easily get to their assigned polling place. Several other counties, including Duval, Hillsborough and Broward, get it right and use “Business Reply Mail” return envelopes.
Our Supervisor of Elections talks a big game about wanting to make voting easier. This one simple change would cost no more than $10,000 per election but would make a profound difference. If the SOE won’t step in, Tallahassee should pass a law requiring ALL counties to pay return postage for mail ballots.
Ben Douthett
Village of Dunedin
