Getting Out the Vote in O.C.

* Re “Unenthused O.C. Vote Was Lowest in Decades,” Nov. 9:

Perhaps some areas of our country had an excuse not to vote in Tuesday’s presidential election, but Orange County was not one of them. In parts of the nation inclement weather kept some eager voters away from the voting booths while Orange County, bathed in sunshine, managed to get only 63% of registered voters to cast their vote. Where were the other 400,000 or so who took the opportunity to register yet failed to show up?

Even if absentee ballots up the percentage a few notches, Orange County still succeeds in attaining an intolerable and embarrassing record low turnout. A lack of enthusiasm is not a legitimate excuse, nor is the well-worn justification that “my vote won’t matter.”

We live in a democratic society and as citizens of a free world it is more than our responsibility to participate in the democratic process; it is a privilege. It is a shame that so many chose inaction over involvement and sacrificed an opportunity to participate for the less noble idea that sitting this one out would send a clearer message.

DEE ANA S. BEHLE

Placentia

* During the 2000 March primary and the recent general election, Orange County voters were hindered by the current election process that the county has in place. To help prevent future problems and controversy, I have scheduled a review of the current process on Dec. 12 and requested that the county executive officer and the registrar of voters prepare a “State of the County Election Process” verbal report.

It is my hope, as both a supervisor and the board’s designee to explore new technologies that enhance the county’s performance in all areas, that this review will lead the county to acquire modern technologies amid methods that will enhance and safeguard our electoral process. This review must include technologies and processes that allow the voters an easier, more efficient way to cast their vote, as well as a more efficient and reliable method for the registrar to record the vote.

The public hearing on Dec. 12 will allow the public to have their voices heard on what will undoubtedly affect how they vote in future elections. If you are interested in testifying before the board, please call my office at (714) 834-3330 for information.

TODD SPITZER

Supervisor, 3rd District

* Many thanks to Bruce Crawford (“Nation Needs Return to Republicanism,” Orange County Voices, Nov. 19) for telling it like it is. Now I know why I am proud to be a Republican.

CHARLES JENNER

Los Alamitos