It is our understanding that the state Elections Commission will recommend to the Legislature that it eliminate the vote-by-mail process in Hawaii. This process has been used successfully for five years. It is convenient for many voters — and for seniors and people with disabilities, it is a lifeline to civic participation.

We do not want civic participation to be diminished by an unnecessary decision to alter how we vote. The so-called “chain of custody” argument is false. Voting by mail is as safe — and likely safer — than voting in person.

The commission’s inclination to reduce our voting options flies in the face of common sense and is an affront to democracy itself. Voting by mail has never been associated with fraud.

Elected officials should hear from each of us on this matter. Th

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