In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln stood for re-election in the middle of our Civil War, fully prepared to relinquish his office if he failed to win the vote. In contrast, our current occupant of the White House will not even commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he should find himself in that situation.
With the exception of my college years -- when I voted absentee -- I have voted in person on Election Day in every Presidential election.
But not this year. It isn't only the pandemic which concerns me. A massive effort to suppress, obstruct, hinder or invalidate legitimate votes has been underway for months in some states.
Voting early -- but in person -- was safe, straightforward, and took only a few minutes. I commend the DeKalb County voting officials who made and continue to make this possible. And, I want to believe that neighboring counties will be just as helpful and professional.
If you can do it, I strongly encourage voters to use the early, in person option. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you did it safely, and that your vote WILL be counted.
I'm Jim Kline, and that is my Perspective.
