Your view: Early voting needed

I understand the urge to condemn early voting based on the argument that this is just a vehicle for lazy voters or the sort of absurd 40 percent each side theory, but there are good reasons for early voting in dense urban areas. I am originally from Sikeston and would not even consider voting early if offered because polling place lines tend to be fairly short. I now live in Houston, Texas, (the fourth largest city) and the lines formed at polls on election day are huge. Mostly this occurs during national elections but even at big state level (i.e. governor), the crowds are large on election day.

The 2004 presidential election, I voted early and waited over one hour to vote. People had to wait for up to 10 hours to vote, from what I have read, in other urban places. This gives the perception of voter disenfranchisement and only results in recounts which cost the taxpayers money. People (main stream media) will find anything to claim victim status. See Ohio.

I believe early voting has its place - not necessarily in your place, but it does have a place. Today's voters are more informed (the internet) or misinformed (MSM} than voters of the past. I agree early voting is not right in all places; it makes total sense in some places. Keep up the good work otherwise.

Gary Dunn

Houston, Texas