Not all can afford to serve on a jury

I agree with Travis Akin (Fence Post, Aug. 6) that jury duty and voting are serious responsibilities. But there is a huge economic problem that stands in the way. Employers are not required to pay for time off to be on a jury, and most don’t. The trivial amount of money paid by the courts hardly covers travel expenses. The majority of people cannot afford to take any unpaid time off from work because even one missed paycheck could mean bankruptcy or loss of one’s home. Lenders do not accept jury duty as an excuse for a missed payment.

Responsibility to provide for family takes precedence over jury duty. It is not fair to require or expect anyone to risk financial disaster by serving on a jury. Judges preaching responsibility need to be aware of this. Since it is well known that jury summonses are sent to people who vote, there are many who sacrifice their right to vote so they can avoid a jury summons. None of this is right, but survival is a necessity. What does anyone have to suggest to correct this problem?

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood