Election reforms and obstacles to voting

Re “Voting for reform,” editorial,

Sept. 21

One of the suggestions made for voting reforms is a paper trail audit so that machine voting can be checked to make sure the machines are working properly and, in the case of a recount, the paper trail could be used. Bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 370, which would provide for a paper trail audit, has already passed the state Senate and Assembly. Gov. Schwarzenegger, Californians do not want our Golden State to be the next Florida or Ohio. Sign SB 370.

MARY JACOBS

Los Angeles

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The Times editorial on the Carter-Baker report on election reforms dismisses as trivial the serious obstacles presented by the bipartisan commission’s recommended identification requirement. For example, The Times says blithely, “Most everyone, excepting Hurricane Katrina victims, should be able to get a birth certificate easily.” Leaving aside the insult to the thousands affected by Katrina, it takes time, money and mobility to obtain a birth certificate, something the poor, elderly and disabled don’t have much of. The Times also argues, “The key is to not create excessive demands for proof of citizenship.” However, since the commission recommended that the “Real ID” card be used as the voter identification card, it legally mandates a demand for proof of citizenship. The Real ID Act requires that applicants provide documentary evidence of citizenship to obtain the card -- another drain on a working person’s time and money. As you point out, the Carter-Baker report does not recommend ways to get more voters to the polls. Instead, it makes a recommendation -- which The Times evidently supports -- that would drive more people away from voting.

TOVA ANDREA WANG

Democracy Fellow

the Century Foundation

New York