Consider casting absentee ballots

at courthouse drop box

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

In late July, Lyon County Auditor/Treasurer E.J. Moberg announced the placement of a drop box for absentee election ballots in the lobby of the courthouse in Marshall. At the time, Moberg told the Independent that the box would help make it easier for voters to participate in elections, while following social distancing. Little did he know at the time, that ballot box may play a bigger role in the November general election. The Trump administration’s recent attempt to slow down the U.S. mail system by dismantling sorting machines and taking out mail drop off boxes threatens the election process in November. Luckily, there will be alternatives for voters who are now leery of trusting the mail system with their ballots. In Lyon County, voters can drop off their ballots at the drop box inside the courthouse anytime before Nov. 3. According to a Thursday Associated Press story, such boxes have been used with success for several years in states like Oregon, Washington and Colorado that rely largely or entirely on ballots that must be sent in. But their use is being expanded because of the coronavirus outbreak and, more recently, concerns about the post office’s ability to do its job. We cannot let any attempts slow down the mail to undermine this election. It’s too important.

Two public servants prove

their long-time commitment

THUMBS UP:

There has been a changing of the guard trend lately in the Marshall area when it comes to important public servants. In June, the city of Marshall honored retiring City Engineer Glenn Olson after 19 years of service to the community. This week will be the last as manager of the Marshall Municipal Utilities for Brad Roos. In a time of longtime commitment being rare, Olson and Roos are good examples of dedicated service.

Support joint statement by city, SMSU against acts of hate

THUMBS UP:

We applaud Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes joining Southwest Minnesota State University President Kumara Jayasuriya in issuing a statement last week against recent ‘acts of hate’ witnessed in Marshall. Allegedly, some of these acts have been directed to potential or current students of SMSU. For Jayasuriya, it’s important to reassure these students that the university stands behind them. Meanwhile, the mayor made it known the city does not condone this behavior and will not tolerate a hostile environment for students. “All members of the community — regardless of race, creed or color — must feel safe,” the statement read.