Require Mail-in Ballots

Thinking about ways that the State of California may save money, having all elections require mail-in ballots may save a few million dollars.

Every year, local Humboldt County media points out the cost of General and Special Elections and how the costs seem to go up every year. I am under the assumption that the State and Federal Government reimburses some of the costs associated with the elections, depending on if they are for the State only, or National.

I also understand that the volunteers working the poll sites receive stipends for their participation. (Kind of changes the meaning of volunteering, yes?)

I read an article from the SFGate dated 10/2008 that over half of voting Californians voted by mail. In some parts of San Francisco and surrounding areas polling Districts are mail-in ballots only, allowing for better service to larger voting Districts.

It seems to me that the State of California would be in a "win- win situation" requiring all voters here to vote by mail. It would save money not having the need for all the polling sites using the equipment and volunters needed. You also would not have the extra cost of making a facility accessible to the various types of disabilities as required (Of course, if you haven't noticed, not all polling sites are accessible. Hopefully, individuals with disabilities wishing to vote are better informed and vote by mail.).

Anyhow, I believe voting by mail as a requirement may save more money than expected and not only saving at the time of an election but also on personal costs needed full-time.

There are those that feel this may have it's troubles, yet the troubles have already been demonstrated in our current system. Required mail-in ballots are coming. Why not start today and incorporate it in our future endeavors so it does not become mandatory as it has for how votes are collected at polling stations?