August 12, 2024
To the Editor:
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County commends the Tribune for publishing “How a SLO County meeting descended into misinformation — and why it’s dangerous” on August 1. This much needed Reality Check presented the facts on voting in our county – the ballot tabulating machines used, the security measures in place, and the need for extra time to process the vote-by-mail ballots. It must be noted that SLO County voters have overwhelmingly embraced voting by mail with 90% of voters choosing that option even though they can still vote in person if they choose to do so.
The article also described the impact of misinformation on election workers, who are intimidated and threatened based on erroneous information and false claims of election fraud. It called out those elected officials who fail to counter misinformation about voting but rather facilitate its spread.
The League’s mission is to empower voters, ensure fair representation, and defend democracy. To preserve our democracy we must fight against the disinformation and misinformation that undermines people’s trust in our institutions and encourages apathy or even worse, conspiracy theories. It’s an uphill battle, but one well worth the fight.
Ann Havlik
Elizabeth Manak
Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County