Ellyn S. Roth
Manhattan
To the Editor:
It is apparent that President Trump is going to try to impede mail-in voting in the fall election by crippling the Postal Service. I live in Washington State, where we hold all elections entirely by mail, and I want to share three simple tips for successful mail-in voting to counter his effort.
First, vote early and avoid the rush. If the ballot comes today, complete it and send it back tomorrow. Some states start to count early, but even if your state doesn’t, at least your ballot is in their hands.
Second, read and follow the instructions for completing the ballot carefully. For instance, the instructions will often specify a particular type of marker, usually a black or dark blue pen, sometimes a pencil. Whatever it says, use it. They also require some identification from you, usually the signature on your voter registration form. Make sure you sign the ballot in the exact same format.
Third, I believe that the dedicated people of the Postal Service would be able to handle the added load of mail-in ballots without breaking a sweat, but Mr. Trump seems determined to stop them. If possible, hand-deliver your ballot. Some states provide drop-off boxes for ballots; find and use them.
Jim Mazzullo
Vancouver, Wash.
To the Editor:
While I don’t believe President Trump’s claims that voting by mail will cause a rigged election, in order to preclude presidential stoking of chaos and doubt, and to have a result on or about Nov. 3, we have a patriotic duty for everyone who is physically able to vote in person. I recognize the Covid-19 risks, but these can be ameliorated greatly by mandatory mask wearing and social distancing.
Of course there will be endless lines, amplified by voter suppression efforts, but waiting long periods to cast our votes on one given day and take some modest health risks will be a small price to preserve our democracy. So with the exception of those states where universal voting by mail has become the norm, I ask my fellow citizens of all political persuasions who are healthy enough to do so to cast their votes in person.
William Mutterperl
New York
To the Editor:
What can you and I do to help save the post office? Buy lots of stamps. You are providing urgently needed cash to the Postal Service.
Jeffrey T. Killeen
Santa Cruz, Calif.