Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
In what should alarm absolutely everyone, a large box of ballots was recently found sitting next to a trash can. Not in a secured facility. Not under supervision. Next to a trash can.
At what point are we allowed to say this is unacceptable?
We are constantly told that our election systems are secure, that every ballot is handled with care, and that there is nothing to worry about. And yet here we are, ballots treated with the same level of oversight as yesterday’s coffee cups. If this is what we can see, it’s reasonable to ask what we’re not seeing.
Let’s be clear: this is not about partisanship. It’s about basic competence and accountability. Ballots are not junk-mail. They are the physical expression of a citizen’s voice. Finding them discarded or even temporarily misplaced in such a careless way should set off alarms, not excuses.
We don’t need reassurances. We need answers.
How did this happen? Who was responsible? What safeguards failed? And most importantly, what is being done right now to make sure it doesn’t happen again?
Because if the system is as secure as we’re told, then incidents like this shouldn’t happen, Period. And if they do happen, they should be treated with urgency, transparency, and a willingness to fix whatever is broken.
Public trust in elections isn’t maintained by repeating talking points. It’s earned through competence, transparency, and accountability. Right now, this looks like a failure on all three fronts.
For this reason and so many more, I am endorsing Eileen Quiring O'Brien for Clark County auditor. Eileen can certainly be counted on to make sure the law is followed properly in Clark County. She won't brush it off. She'll FIX IT. Eileen Quiring O'Brien for Auditor.
Anna Miller, taxpayer and voter
Camas
