Counting Votes Earlier Is Not Cheating

I would like to compliment the management and staff of The Los Angeles County Election Center in the City of Industry for their professionalism and dedication. Their work supports one of the largest and most complex voting operations in the nation.

Los Angeles County has more registered voters than 41 entire states, yet the Election Center team consistently manages this enormous responsibility with accuracy, transparency and calm efficiency. 

At a time when confidence in elections is essential, I have three suggestions to help county Election Centers count ballots earlier. These suggestions will apply statewide and need state legislature and governor’s approval. 

• All ballots must be received on or before Election Day. This will allow Election Centers to complete signature verification, batch them and be ready to start counting as soon as the polls close on Election Day.
• Place a ballot drop box at every vote center in the 31 counties and the traditional precincts in the remaining 27 counties. In rural communities, small towns and suburbs this will put a drop off box closer to a voter’s residence than the post office, making it very easy to turn in completed vote-by-mail ballots.
• Create an aggressive public service radio / TV campaign to encourage voters to turn in their vote-by-mail ballot as soon as possible.

Lynn McGinnis
Glendale