Colo. allows write-in for president

I WAS surprised to see the number of letters to the editor that were critical of the Journal’s decision not to endorse a candidate for president in 2020. The Journal made the same decision in 2016, citing the unsuitability of the candidates from both major parties.

I find it courageous that the Journal’s editorial staff had the fortitude to do so again despite the pressure from both political directions. I applauded the organization in 2016 and I do so again in 2020.

The refrain that “This is the most important election of our times” echoes every election cycle, but the emotional level among my friends from both sides of the aisle is the most passionate in my memory. I hear the argument that I must vote for the “lesser evil” over and over.

When I went to the polling place in Albuquerque in 2016, I fully expected to be able to write in a candidate’s name for president and vice president. I was surprised that there was no provision for that on the ballot. For the first time in my life I did not cast a vote for president in a national election.

In January, we moved to Colorado, primarily to be closer to family. I am a lifelong New Mexican who loves the state, its climate, its people and the wonderful blending of cultures.

I was amazed to find in Colorado lower crime, drastically lower property taxes and a remarkably accommodating and progressive electoral system. For the first time in my life I registered Independent because I am allowed to vote in either party’s primary. ...

The Colorado election authority mailed to each registered voter a 99-page booklet outlining all the propositions on the upcoming ballot. It fairly addressed the pros and cons of each issue. We had several weeks to review the proposals and rationally decide how we would vote. When our ballots arrived in the mail it was easy to make our selections, knowing that responsible thought had been applied in an unhurried manner. ...

Credit the Journal with trying to educate the public before they hit the polls to vote. The problem is that too few people actually rely on or use independent media like the Journal to make their decision. Too few people take voting seriously and spend the time to responsibly evaluate the issues and candidates. Voting is done emotionally and spontaneously without rational consideration of the long-term impact it has for all citizens and the viability of our democracy.

... My daughter, who lives in Nevada, called me to tell me that Nevada actually has a selection on the ballot for “None of these Candidates.” Colorado doesn’t go that far, but at least it allows me to write in a choice for president and vice president; I have written in the names of two people who are not officially running but who would make mature, sane and wise public servants. I will sleep well on election night knowing that no matter the outcome, I voted to avoid “the lesser evil.”

MICHAEL COX Colorado Springs