The fact that nearly 100 ISU students, staff and faculty would be turned away from voting is reason enough for those individuals and anyone who wants to ensure the enfranchisement of all to take a serious look at both candidates and then vote for Jim Hutter for county auditor and commissioner of elections.

To quote The Des Moines Register, “The Iowa secretary of state’s office said the law specifies that satellite polling stations may not close until all voters arriving before the time established to close have cast their ballots.” Mary Mosiman, the current auditor, said that it was on her instruction that her staff acted counter to the Iowa secretary of state’s policy.

She further went on to state that she does not intend to change her policy. I think the people of Story County would be well advised to change their auditor.

If this was the first time this disregard for the law occurred, it might be seen as a mistake. But this is not the first time and might lead some to believe that this is part of a concerted effort to decrease the student vote.

I learned long ago not to question the motives of others. While I’m certain Mosiman wants to do the best job she can, I question her ability and temperament to do the job that needs to be done.

For example, in response to a question regarding the long lines that existed prior to the scheduled closing time, Mosiman said, “In a way, [they] brought this on themselves; the activists had a goal of their own, and they were trying to draw people in up to the very last minute.” With all due respect, Ms. Mosiman, these voters were in line before the closing time and should have been allowed to cast their ballot. Further, isn’t encouraging people to vote a good thing?

Jim Hutter has taught Democrats, Republicans and Independents of all stripes for the past 37 years at Iowa State and has encouraged all to voice his or her opinions in his classes and to be active in the political process. Jim Hutter should get your vote on Nov. 2.

Paxton Williams

Alumnus