Don't give your ballot to thieves

Ballots will soon be in the mail to all Colorado voters — whether or not the voters want a mail ballot or still live in the area. One million more mail ballots will be "in the float" than in the 2012 election, creating a situation ripe for abuse.

Adding insult to injury are the "ballot harvesters" who plan door-to-door visits to collect your ballot. Just say "no!"

If strangers arrived at your door asking for your credit card numbers, you wouldn't hand them over. Value your vote just as much. Don't succumb to the high-pressure tactics from "harvesters." Exercise your right to vote your secret ballot in private, with no undue influence, and to personally cast that ballot into a secure ballot box.

Colorado's new mail ballot law moved the state to an election "honor system," where most institutional and citizen-enforced controls were dismantled, with the naïve belief that all campaigns, candidates and voters are ethical and honest.

Operatives can be paid based on the number of ballots they collect. Almost all voters agree that this is an invitation for abuse and corruption.

"Ballot harvesters" can open your ballot envelope, alter your ballot or even throw it away. Never give your ballot to anyone, no matter who they claim to be. If ballot harvesters come to your door, take their pictures and record their pitch using your cellphone or video recorder. If you record high-pressure tactics, the public can be alerted to the identities of these people and who they represent.

The best way to safeguard your vote is to cast your ballot in person at the clerk's office or voter service center, on a "flat ballot" (one that you cast without an envelope into a sealed ballot box). Otherwise, personally drop your ballot in the ballot box at the clerk's office.

If you must mail your ballot, wait until just a few days before Election Day. Voting early increases the risk of your ballot "going astray." Control your ballot until the last minute, mark it in private, cast it yourself and treasure what it represents: your voice in how we govern ourselves.

If you encounter suspected mail ballot mischief by ballot harvesters or others, call the Rocky Mountain Foundation hotline at 303-250-9681.