Camas resident Anthony P. Teso submitted a letter to the editor of Clark County Today to contest claims made by talk‑radio host Lars Larson about absentee‑ballot losses. Teso points to a sharp increase in ballot rejections in Stevens County, Washington, and argues that the 2005 Carter‑Baker report actually warned about the very issues Larson downplays.
Local data contradicts broader claims
According to Teso, the 32 % figure cited by Larson does not implicate Senator Maria Cantwell; it is Cantwell’s own statistic, released on September 2, showing a rise in rejected absentee ballots in Stevens County. The spike, Teso says, suggests that ballots cast in good faith are not being counted, a problem that affects local voters more than any partisan narrative.
The Carter‑Baker report’s relevance
The 2005 Carter‑Baker report, referenced by Teso, highlighted the importance of signature verification in preventing fraud. The report named Oregon as a state that had avoided significant fraud through such verification. Teso notes that the report also warned that expanding mail voting without robust safeguards could lead to higher rejection rates, a point he believes Larson overlooks.
Federal and state oversight
Former Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno and Washington’s own election officials have emphasized the need for accurate voter‑list maintenance. Teso criticizes the handling of an unredacted file that included Social Security and driver’s‑license numbers, which was not turned over by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and his Oregon counterpart. Federal judges have already dismissed Justice Department suits demanding such data in 22 states, underscoring the legal complexities surrounding voter‑list transparency.
Proposed remedies and local action
Teso acknowledges that using a Dropbox outside the Camas Library is a practical workaround for voters this November, but he stresses that it is not a long‑term solution. He calls for a hearing on why mail delivery in Stevens County has slowed, a question he says should be a priority for Senator Cantwell and for conservatives who value election integrity.
Broader implications for mail voting
The letter also references the Save America Act, noting that recent polling shows varying levels of support for the bill’s provisions, which now require photo ID for any ballot, including mailed ones. Teso argues that adding another ID requirement could further burden voters in Stevens County, where postal delays have already impacted ballot delivery.
Conclusion
While Larson’s audit calls for more stringent oversight, Teso urges a balanced approach that protects both the integrity of the vote and the ability of Washington’s citizens to cast ballots without undue obstacles. He encourages fellow Camas residents to stay informed and to demand transparent, accountable election processes at the county level.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
