County auditor has some concerns about absentee balloting and satellite absentee voting stations

In a letter to the public, Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines says he wants to set the record straight about a couple of matters involving the upcoming November 6th election.

Says Steines, "I write this letter not in an effort to demean any candidate or party; but to inform the residents of the County, who are my constituents, as to a couple of programs that I perceive as inefficient use of County property tax dollars. Both of these programs have their place, and I strongly encourage the use of them where appropriate. My complaint is that whether by ignorance or disregard; national campaigns, political parties, and other advocacy groups use these programs without considering the expense that is incurred by the local tax payers."

Steines says that while absentee ballots are definitely beneficial to some of
the people who use it, It has become quite common for political groups to encourage voters to vote by mail.  Each absentee ballot costs roughly $3 to process, so Steines is encouraging voters to consider this additional expense before signing the request form.

Steines also says satellite absentee voting stations are beneficial.  .But he says he has received petitions calling for not one, but three satellite absentee voting stations at Luther College--all within a few hundred feet of each other.

Concludes Steines, "Again I want to reiterate that these programs have a place and are necessary under certain circumstances. I do not wish to discourage anyone from voting or to make it more difficult for anyone
to exercise this right."  But Steines says he also has to be cautious when it comes to spending county taxpayer money.

For the complete text of Steines's letter, click here.