Benton County Election Woes Inexcusable

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Here we go again.

No, I don’t mean state Treasurer Martha Shoffner is selling bonds before their maturity.

I’m referring to the Benton County Election commission.

First, we had a commission with two members who could not agree what time of day it was. Now, we have a commission who cannoteff ectively conduct a general election. What occurred last Tuesday was inexcusable. The high number of early voters coupled with a presidential election and important state and local issues should have tipped off the commission to be prepared for this election. Apparently, they were asleep at the switch again.

When precinct captains requested, in advance, more paper ballots, theywere denied. When it was realized by the commission that they were in trouble and needed to print more ballots, they didn’t have the correct paper stock.

Finally, the inadequate number of voting machines didn’t help matters either; and to add insult to injury, the paper ballot-counting machines broke down.

I realize unpleasant things happen but thereis no excuse for not being prepared. Benton County needs to take a very close look at how to conduct an eft cient and reliable election in the future.

Also, a hard look should be given to who is selected by the Democratic and Republican parties to be on this commission. What are the qualifi cations other than being a party hack?

PETE RATHMELL

Garfield

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/15/2012