Low turnout isn't the biggest problem

Whining about low voter turnout for the primary election is misplaced emotion. It is sad that there was only a 25 percent turnout but a heavy turnout by uninformed voters is a worse for a civilized society. A voter that does not know what he/she is voting for should stay home.

We need election reform. A better vetting process should screen out bad candidates before their names get on the ballot. One former governor in jail and another that should be does not speak well for Illinois. The problem is not limited to Illinois. The likes of Jack Edwards, Spitzer and Sanford should not be on the ballot nor should they be in office. The situation we find ourselves in with the Democratic lieutenant governor is outrageous.

The Daily Herald had it right recommending Terry Link, but a multimillionaire was legally able to buy enough votes to be elected. After the election, voters learn that the man is corrupt.

Campaign finance needs reform. The last outrageous 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court makes matters worse. Next election the Wall Street executives who gave themselves huge underserved bonuses are now able to spend as much as they like via the corporation loophole.

The voting public is dumb enough to be deceived. Another change needed in Illinois is a unified ballot that will let informed voters vote in all primaries without having to declare party affiliation. This could be done fairly with the "vote for one" limitation which would prevent voters from crossing over to the opposition party to distort results. The touch screen voting machine was excellent and its use should be encouraged. Fast accurate tabulation would help when races are close.

Russell C. W. Crom

Mount Prospect