Sarasota Herald-Tribune

New elections chief buys into Big Lie

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Cord Byrd, former House member, as secretary of state. In recent remarks, Byrd said that, due to voting irregularities in other states, he could not acknowledge Joe Biden as president.

We can only hope Byrd is watching the hearings of the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. Listening to numerous highly placed officials from his own Republican Party as they dismiss all claims of voter fraud should convince him that the 2020 election was free and fair.

As our secretary of state, in charge of elections, he should say so publicly. The last thing we need are leaders who stoke the flames of obvious lies to get votes.

This fall we will have a chance to elect a governor whose values and demeanor result in thoughtful and effective appointments to key positions. DeSantis has not shown us that ability.

Laurie Ulrop, Punta Gorda

Accepting election results key to survival

Our country has a host of troubles.

We must halt the damaging effects of climate change. As body bags pile up, when will our legislators enact strict gun safety measures? Federal legislation must guarantee voting rights for all eligible citizens in order to reverse restrictive voting laws.

Women should have the right to seek a safe abortion. Vladimir Putin’s aggression must be halted.

To tackle these issues, our democracy must survive. But will it?

Millions of Americans believe that the 2020...

Read Full Story: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/2022/06/24/new-elections-chief-do...