End of Probe, Not Controversy

* Regarding the failure of Orange County investigators to find substantial evidence against Hermandad Mexicana Nacional in the voter registration fraud investigation:

Throughout 1997, The Times has uncritically published stories based largely on speculation from Bob Dornan and his lackeys, accusing Hermandad and others of willful wrongdoing.

Recent events have shown that these accusations are either completely untrue or blown way out of proportion. The Times has served as the willing mouthpiece of Citizen Dornan in his efforts to regain office.

I believe that The Times owes its readers, not to mention the officials of Hermandad Mexicana Nacional and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove), a huge apology.

MIKE GREENE

Tustin

* Now that Hermandad Mexicana Nacional is convinced that they have been vindicated of voter fraud and other fiscal irregularities by the Orange County Grand Jury they are demanding apologies (Dec. 6), while Amin David, head of Los Amigos, a Hispanic group in Orange County, says the case is closed and “it’s time to move on.”

And the tone of the Dec. 7 letter from the president of the League of Women Voters implies that a little voter fraud that may not have changed the election is no great concern.

Contrary to the group’s views, mail-in registration and “motor voter” would seem to encourage fraud, while requiring a Social Security number would seem to discourage it. Their “so what” attitude is strange behavior.

The rush for apologies and vindication brings me to ask whatever happened to the $500,000 in federal grants and taxes an independent audit found the group could not account for or misspent (Times, May 22)?

BOB BALL

Anaheim

* Jean Askham, president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County, stated our voting system has improved because it provides mail-in registration forms allowing absentee voting without requiring a specific reason (Letters, Dec. 7).

Is that really an improvement when there is absolutely no way of determining who filled out that ballot and mailed it in? Is it asking too much of our citizens to physically show up at a polling place, and if they are truly unable to do so, to provide proof as to why they cannot? Elections determine the direction of our nation, and voting is a privilege that should be taken seriously and given priority.

Askham is happy with the larger number of registered voters due to new programs such as “motor voter.” I would agree with her if our system required some identification that substantiated you were who you claimed on the form. Unfortunately, anyone can register and therefore vote whether they are legally entitled to do so or not.

With the current inept program of requesting the barest of information and not requiring proof of identification, there is little fear of discovery for those who choose to abuse the system.

Was there massive voter fraud in the 46th Congressional District? The Sanchez/Hermandad investigation illustrates our present system does not allow us the ability to easily and adequately answer that question. Therefore, many are forced to wonder whether their votes were canceled by those that were illegal. That insecurity should be reason enough to make some serious changes in our registration and voting procedures.

BOB OLSON

Anaheim

* The fact that 2,400-plus suspected illegal votes cast have been uncovered in the Dornan-Sanchez race vindicates Bob Dornan. He should be immediately seated or a new election called. The law states that all that is needed for a new election to be called is enough illegal votes to render the outcome of the race uncertain.

A staff member of Sanchez commented that “98% of the district’s 106,000 voters were beyond reproach” is laughably outrageous. Does Sanchez find 2% fraud acceptable? It is of no consequence that 2,400-plus American citizens had their votes canceled out on Election Day?

Another Democrat made the comment that 40% of the illegal votes were cast for Dornan. That’s ridiculous.

We believe all the illegal votes were cast for Sanchez. Regardless, it is not an issue, as you cannot prove who the votes were cast for one way or the other.

That is why the law is clear. I repeat, enough suspected illegal votes discovered renders the outcome of a race uncertain, therefore a new election is required. Certainly three times the margin of “victory” is “enough” to call a new election.

ROBIN DORNAN

San Juan Capistrano