There are many responsibilities for a self-governing citizen. Educating yourself about our founding principles, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, current events, election issues, legislation, candidates can feel like a full-time job!
One of the most sacred responsibilities we have as Americans is the responsibility to vote. It’s most commonly called "the right to vote," and I regard it as a responsibility and an obligation.
As Americans, the just powers of the government are based upon our consent. We also can select the government officials who represent us. Our system of government is a hybrid of democratic and republican principles. (I used lower case letters, because I’m not referring to political parties.)
With the strange circumstances in which we find ourselves today, the 2020 electoral process has been affected in many states. Missouri is one of those states.
Absentee voting was originally limited to persons in active military service. It’s been gradually expanded to include virtually anyone who has a valid reason for being away from their precinct on election day. To vote absentee you must follow a process of providing identification to an election official and completing an application under the penalty of perjury.
COVID-19 has opened the door to general mail-in voting. The process now differs from absentee voting in one significant way: the voter does not request a ballot. Instead, a ballot is mailed to the individual.
Some states mail a ballot to every person on their voter rolls. And since purging voter rolls of individuals who’ve passed away or moved has become anathema, it’s easy to see how the entire election process can be easily corrupted. Let’s not let this happen.
With the passage of SB631 in Missouri’s 2020 Regular Session, the State Assembly has authorized the use of mail-in ballots in our state. Our legislature established safeguards to preserve the integrity of the process.
The mail-in ballot must be applied for, and it must be accompanied by a notarized statement attesting to the voter’s identity under the penalty of perjury. Additionally, all ballots must be received by the time the polls close on election day.
SB631 expires on December 31, 2020. So, these provisions apply only to the November General Election.
All elections are important. But, I’d argue that this is the most consequential election of our lifetime. Knowledge of the issues and voter turnout is critical. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is critical, as well.
At present, there is a shortage of precinct captains, poll workers, and election judges for this upcoming election. It’s time for each and every one of us to stand up and ensure corruption doesn’t happen. Here are a few suggestions on how you can become involved.
A precinct captain works with a political party to maximize turnout for that party within a given precinct. You also can be an informal precinct captain by making sure other voters go to the polls. I really encourage you to do this.
This is not the time for apathy. If you know like-minded individuals who do not always vote, please contact them now and urge them to vote in this election. You can organize a carpool, caravan, a breakfast, or coffee get-together before or after voting.
You also can be a poll worker or election judge. These are paid positions and generally require you to open the polls at 6:00 a.m. and close them at 7:00 p.m.
After the polls close, you will be responsible for helping to secure the ballots cast and the voting machines and to ensure the chain of custody. Training is provided a month or so prior to election day. Please note that proper safety precautions will be in effect to provide for a safe environment.
More information about being an election official can be found by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. Thank you for supporting the Convention of States Project and being a champion for liberty.
