Letter to Editor;

I am writing with concerns regarding a notice “Vote By Mail” that we property taxpayers in the Township of Perth South received with our tax notices. It reads “Vote By Mail” Fast  - Easy – Secure.
The last municipal election I voted at South Perth School and the procedure was a follows: I  took my notice that I received by mail to show the polling clerk that I was eligible to vote. I had to show some identification. I was handed a ballot and I went behind a private screen to mark my ballot so NO ONE COULD SEE WHO I VOTED FOR. After marking my ballot the clerk made sure the ballot was  folded correctly and it was deposited into the ballot box.
I believe this was a very private and well implemented system.
This election we have a new system. We get a voters kit in the mail, if we get it. We can vote WHENEVER, WHEREVER, AND IN THE COMPANY OF ANYONE WE CHOOSE.
Now I am wondering is that the fast, the easy or the secure part?  The notice says we can vote in private ... what did we do before?
How do you prove who marked the ballot? How do you know if it got back to the municipal office? Yes, we can deliver it, but if you are going to do that, you may as well go to a polling station.
The notice reads it is against the law to exercise a vote other than your OWN, but, did you ever get mail in your mail box that wasn’t yours? What is to stop someone from marking your ballot?
The notice also says this process removes many obstacles which can keep voters away from the polls: inclement weather, family or work commitments, transportation. This is 2010, people drive everywhere, anytime. If they cared about voting they would vote at the polls.
Sandra Ulch
Kirkton