I support voter ID. Although a voter is already required to show ID to register to vote, I still believe in double checking at the time of the election.

Unfortunately, the voter ID referendum includes dangerous changes. It requires two volunteers (one Republican, one Democrat) to unlock and empty absentee ballot drop boxes and deliver the ballots to the clerk. During busier elections, boxes must be emptied multiple times each day, including weekends, because they are full.

Since ballots end up with the clerk eventually, I fail to see how adding a layer of civilian involvement and having two untrained people handling each absentee envelope makes voting more secure. The more people handling ballots, the more chances for mistakes or fraud.

Also, drop boxes will be limited, regardless of size or population of the municipality, and despite boxes being secured by bolts drilled into the sidewalk.

Jody Huntington
Portland