OPINION:
There is an issue that needs to be brought to light regarding the most vulnerable of people in our country and the God-given right to vote. As a U.S. Marine Vietnam War veteran on a 100-percent disability from that war, I feel that it is my civic duty and obligation to vote — but I was denied that right.
I was undergoing an operation during election time and ended up in rehabilitation, only to find that they had no contingency plan to allow those of us who were bedridden to vote. When I asked the administrative office about voting, they said that a van would bring those ambulatory patients to the voting centers — but that didn’t address those who, like me, were bedridden.
I’m of the opinion that in today’s high-tech world there should be a roving force of volunteers with small voting machines that can travel to all facilities housing voters. Such facilities should include hospitals and rehab centers all around the country. The state and federal government should see to it that no one is denied his right to vote.
As it stands, most people feel a sense of empowerment after they vote because they have been included in the decisions that shape our government. Being denied a vote only adds insult to injury to someone who is already suffering.
GREGORY J. TOPLIFF
Warrenville, S.C.
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