Dear Editor:
Now that the Hoboken 4th Ward election is over, I must release some of my simmering anger about statements made by some candidates and their supporters, as well as actions taken by some bloggers implying that casting a vote by mail is inherently suspicious. As the sponsor of the legislation in New Jersey that expanded and encouraged the use of vote-by-mail ballots, I am personally offended; and as someone who believes strongly in democracy, I am outraged. Since 2003, the use of vote-by-mail ballots in New Jersey has doubled. Only 2.5 percent of ballots were cast by mail that year. But in 2008, that number had jumped to 5.7 percent, according to state records. Other states have used mail-in ballots for years, and New Jersey was somewhat behind the times until 2005 when the “no excuses” law enabled voters to request mail-in ballots without giving any reason for not wanting to vote in person at a polling place. In New Jersey, those numbers are expected to continue growing as people’s lifestyles change. When anyone can work, shop, bank, and attend college from home, there is simply no reason to require them to schlep to a poll and stand in line to cast a ballot. People are working longer hours, pursuing studies and athletic activities, ferrying youngsters around, taking care of elderly relatives, and carrying out a million other chores. And we all know weather affects turnout. Sending ballots to voters’ homes, where they can make informed decisions at leisure and in privacy, is an almost ideal situation. Unfortunately, actual voter fraud is attempted everywhere and should never be condoned. However, people – in Hoboken and elsewhere – who cared enough to obtain and utilize a mail-in ballot should be applauded and emulated, not intimidated or castigated. Regardless of which candidate you voted for, I express my personal thanks to everyone who voted. If you voted by any method at all, you are a good citizen.
Joan M. Quigley
Assemblywoman District 32