I’m writing in regard to the state and counties eliminating voting precincts. The headline in the Daily News on Oct. 20 about it couldn’t be further from the truth. 

It implies that decreasing the number of voting locations hasn’t affected voter ability to cast their ballots. I, for one, along with many other voters have been given ballots that were invalid. The magistrate’s race for my precinct was not even on the ballot. After speaking with the nominee of my choice, I was told that many other voters had been given ballots without that candidate’s race on it. 

I also heard that Barren County had the same issues. 

At a time when voter suppression is already a problem, having an unwieldy way of handling ballots only adds to the confusion experienced of many voters. 

This also caused longer lines in some areas and discouraged some voters from remaining in line to vote. 

There is also the issue of extreme gerrymandering in which legislators draw district lines in such a way to dilute the voting power of some groups, such as African-American votes.

Alabama’s redistricting plan drawn by the Republican legislature has been struck down by the Supreme Court. It was expressly drawn to dilute the Black voters’ power.

Kentucky’s redistricting plan is also under judicial review.

Even though approximately 40% of Kentuckians are registered Democrats, only one of our representatives is a Democrat.

Free, fair and reliable elections are a hallmark of our democracy. We should be making it easier to vote, not more difficult.

Phil Mitchell

Bowling Green