Voters wanted: Alive, not dead
Discovering that more than 900 people listed as deceased voted recently in South Carolina is alarming at any time.
But it is particularly problematic when people already are focused on possible voter fraud as it relates to a controversial state law that would require voters to show photo IDs.
And it is problematic when some voters are already skeptical about the accuracy of the state's voting machines.
The credibility of the electoral process is of critical importance. Voting is a treasured right of citizens. They deserve assurance that their votes will be fairly and accurately counted, and that only registered -- and living -- voters are allowed to cast ballots.
In a good move, state officials have requested the State Law Enforcement Division investigate records relating to the 900-plus-person discrepancy.
The state Department of Motor Vehicles found the names while comparing death records to State Election Commission records of when people last voted. But the DMV is not the agency to determine whether voter fraud has been committed.
If SLED determines widespread voter fraud has occurred, it will belie what opponents of South Carolina's new voter ID law have contended -- that there is no voter fraud. And it would provide evidence to the need for that law.
The voter ID law that passed last year requires people to have state- or military-issued identification, a U.S. passport or a new state voter registration card that contains a picture in order to vote in person. Photo identification is not required for voting by absentee ballot.
The law was rejected last month by the U.S. Department of Justice. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson plans to file a federal suit against the department to try to remove its objection to the law.
State investigators should waste no time finding the truth about the 900 names. Problems, whatever they are, need to be addressed well in advance of the general election in November and to the satisfaction of the people of the state.
The Legislature also should require an audit of the state's much criticized electronic voting machines to assure that they are providing for safe and secure elections.
Our government is designed to reflect the will of the people, as represented in their voting. If the voting system is compromised by fraud or technical problems, confidence in representative government is shaken at its foundation.
