Initiatives and Absentee Voting

Considering the increasingly discussed matter of low turnouts, the more satisfactory solution would be lower numbers, not greater. It was never intended that the voting privilege should be extended or expanded to the degree it is today. Indeed, the philosophic ancestors of many of those involved with the founding of this country suggested a more narrow control of the electorate.

Virtually every current test or poll of the knowledge of the general electorate indicates a broad unfamiliarity with the positions of most candidates let alone the issues involved. Quite simply and mathematically, the greater the increase in the number of voters, the lower the quality.

Voting privileges should be restricted by lack of knowledge, not age, sex, color, race or any of the emotional catchwords.

There is one way to guarantee a small and quality electorate. Why not ask every prospective voter one question. He or she may have the opportunity to refer to any information or ask a friend. The idea is not to dissuade the prospect from voting but to make the individual more knowledgeable. The question is simply for the voter to be able to identify the office in terms of what its function is, for which the vote is to be cast. (And in California this might extend to propositions and amendments.)

WILLIAM S. RUBEN

San Diego