HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0061.008 2008-2010Page I of 1
Yoshimoto, J
From: geomike5@att.net •(~~ jjw -2 P ~ ~~ 4
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 9:19 AM
To: bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us;
enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us;
donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us; genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us; kgreenwell@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: support vote by mail resolution 29-09
Aloha Couricil members:
I ask that you support the vote by mail resolution 29-09
The concept of vote by mail is highly viable and has been successfully used by many states. In fact, it is
partially being used now by the State of Hawaii when you consider the absentee ballots. The silent
majority and vocal minority become balanced and make it easier for public servants to know the will of
the citizens.
The objective is to increase voter participation and that is a demonstrated fact where the vote by mail
concept has been introduced.
Today's world has greatly increased the complexity of people's lives. Think for a moment of the many
reasons a person can legitimately give for not voting on an election Tuesday. Here are. some.
Could not leave the house because of childcare.
Had to work my hourly job.
Incapacitated or handicapped.
Cannot drive any longer.
And with many new voters, as the 18-year olds still attending school, vote by mail would be an ideal
way to introduce them to the civics of a voting republic.
Support the resolution. Offer amendments if some aspects do not suit you but don't vote it down. Show
your support for encouraging voter participation. Maximize the opportunity for the right to vote.
Remember, this is a resolution asking the State to provide Hawaii County the opportunity to run a,pilot
program.
Although this resolution has a sunset provision, it shows that the Big Island can show leadership in
issues involving its citizens.
Michael Reimer
Kailua-Kona
GeoMikeS@att.net
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