Letter to the Editor: Amendment 3

In reference to last week’s article in this newspaper, submitted by State Senator Brad Lager, in regard to the voting initiative on Missouri Constitution Amendment 6: In the article, Mr. Lager seems to endorse the measure but then offers a subtle disclaimer by encouraging voters to become educated on this important issue. I’ll shout a big “Amen” to that advice. Has anyone looked closely at the language of this amendment proposal to be voted upon in next week’s election? If not, I encourage you to read it. It’s a joke!

Amendment 6 is a constitutional amendment to lock in a set of very confusing terms for early/absentee voting. Current laws are reasonable and provide that the voter has six weeks in which to exercise an early vote providing there is a reason. The new law, as proposed in the language of Amendment 6 drastically slashes the window of opportunity by providing six days – not six weeks – for early voting. And what’s worse: this greatly diminished time-frame does not even fall on the six days immediately preceding the election. When does it occur? I’m not telling. This is your homework assignment. Each person reading this article should look at the language of the amendment proposal in last week’s edition and familiarize themselves with the specifics.

Jason Kander is Secretary of State for the state of Missouri. Jason Kander has studied Amendment 6 and is adamantly opposed to it as his office would be in charge of the nightmare of implementing it! Oh yes, and the kicker to this proposed constitutional amendment is that it is in effect only during years when the state legislature approves extra funds totaling perhaps as much as $2 million for start-up and $100,000 for each subsequent election. I guess that means in years where the legislature approves funds the new law is in effect while in years when funds are not approved the old law kicks back in.

How’s that for being as clear as mud? And you read right: over $2 million more for an early-voting time frame that drastically reduces the existing one and may or may not go into effect.

A constitution is designed as a foundation, a bedrock upon which the framework for a body of statutes is made. It is not a crazy patchwork quilt designed to take on every whim and agenda. Amendment 6 threatens to make a joke out the Constitution of the State of Missouri while penalizing the most vulnerable voters – especially the elderly!

In my opinion, this proposal for Amendments 6 is bad news. I urge voters to read it and vote against it.

Troy Lesan, Lake Viking