Address important issues with candidates

To the editor:

It's not too early to prepare for the unexpected in November 2016. As presidential hopefuls trek through Iowa in the coming months, we will need to encourage candidates to promote protection of election safeguards when elected. If history repeats itself, voter suppression efforts may emerge in several states.

In June 2013, a Supreme Court ruling, referenced as Shelby, struck down a critical provision of the 1965 Voter Rights Act, which required states to seek 'pre-clearance” before changing voter laws.

In conceding the need for continued oversight to voter suppression, the court indicated a need for Congress to revisit the 40-year factual basis of the law as they ruled that portion of the law unconstitutional. Congressional inability to move on such matters provided impetus for seven states; Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin to quickly add voter restrictions.

Examples not unique to all states include: legislative district remapping, reduction of days for early voting, absentee ballot mailing imitations, voter ID requirements and voter registration restrictions.

Iowans have a golden opportunity to sound out the many wannabe presidential candidates seeking early endorsement status. With minimal effort, we can personally speak with them about our concerns including voter suppression laws.

It is also important to contact our incumbent legislators requesting expedited congressional remedies.

Leonard E. Roberts

Oxford