Indiana legislators have expressed an interest in preventing voter fraud, as evidenced by the voter ID law of which they are all so proud.
Ignore for a moment that there was little or no evidence of the type of fraud the voter ID law espouses to prevent. Instead, turn your attention to growing concerns about Indiana’s swollen voter registration rolls. That’s where you will find an abundance of names of people who are dead or no longer live at their listed addresses.
If the potential for fraud is what you’re after, those voter rolls have it in plentiful supply.
Our Maureen Hayden told the story of voter rolls in disarray in a story published Sunday. She quoted former state Supreme Court Justice Ted Boehm as expressing concern about the issue. Although he doesn’t see voter fraud as a big problem in the state, he told Hayden that cases that do exist most frequently involve absentee ballots — which don’t require an ID — cast for voters who are dead or have moved away.
Indiana is just one of many states with problems in its voter rolls. Still, it is being forced to deal with the issue. The state faces an inquiry from the U.S. Justice Department and a lawsuit from the conservative watch group Judicial Watch. Both question Indiana’s compliance with federal law that requires voter rolls to be cleansed of names of people who are no longer eligible to vote.
In fact, Hayden reports that the Justice Department says 10 percent of Indiana counties have a higher number of people on their rolls than are old enough to vote.
Purging voter registration lists is an expensive and politically charged process. But it is a job that must be done, and one that requires fairness and consistency in order to maintain public confidence in the voting process.
Recently appointed Secretary of State Connie Lawson is as sensitive to the situation as anyone. Her predecessor, Charlie White, was forced out of office after being convicted of election fraud charges. She acknowledges the widespread problem and understands what’s at stake. We trust she will do what she can to come to grips with the matter.
Meanwhile, if legislators are really concerned about the integrity of elections, they will put their money where their mouths are and ensure funds are available so counties can keep up with the process.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: The real issue of voter fraud
Registration rolls carry potential for problems
- Opinion
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READERS' FORUM: May 22, 2013
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
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