Slippery slope

Regarding “GOP chair calls for ‘brigade’ of poll watchers,” (April 10, A1) In 1973 I was able to study for a year as a college student in Kenya. While there, a national election took place, and to my dismay I witnessed Kenyan voters having to contend with club-wielding gangs of partisan thugs at their polling places as they faithfully cued up to cast ballots. I recall feeling so proud to be an American citizen where I was certain my experience as a voter would always take place in freedom, fairness and safety. Now almost half a century later, I read reports that political operatives here may be marching Texas voters into a similar danger. They are threatening to install an “election integrity brigade” of partisan poll watchers outfitted with video-cams to record what they deem “unlawful activity.” Could this be a slippery slope? We must not tolerate cunningly crafted voter intimidation policies to creep any further into what are supposed to be free, fair and safe polling places. Do American voters need to run gauntlets of vigilantes? How long will it take for such tactics to devolve into citizens confronting thugs like I saw in Kenya? I shudder to think!

Robert F. Forker, Houston

If those poll watchers are really skilled and precise, maybe they can pick up on all manner of non-verbal intentions of those crafty voters. Perhaps they will even be seasoned and experienced enough to read sign language. I just hope they understand that yes, the extension of a voter’s middle finger is meant just for them.

Brenden McBride, Katy