Voting by mail

I totally agree with Maurice Cauchi (November 3) about his thoughts on the recently held Australian federal elections. He made some very valuable and telling points especially when he made comparisons in relation to Australian and Maltese electors. Some more arguments to these relations would not go astray because they can be both beneficial and worthwhile.

I can relate from personal experience that other things can be of benefit to the Maltese elector if certain aspects on election day can be followed.

During the last election, held in June for members of the European Parliament, I followed with alarm how frail and old aged people were asked to conform to certain regulations on voting day, i.e. doctor's certificate, time of day to vote, place in the queue to be allowed in, and so on and so forth. I consider this attitude verges on the inhumane (if what I read did actually happen) because here in Australia we have a system which is easy and correct to follow.

For all I know this idea could have been suggested before, however there is no harm in repeating it.

Some 12 years ago my wife suffered a stroke and her movements were drastically curtailed. When election dates are announced - council, state, federal - I apply for what we call the postal vote. On confirmation with a doctor's certificate this (postal vote) is supplied some days prior to the closing date, filled in and witnessed by another elector and then mailed back.

After three or four elections if one is still unable to attend a voting venue, then he/she is automatically registered as a postal voter.

These few details show that there are ways that things can be done better in Malta during elections and as my friend Prof. Cauchi pointed out, the enormous expense incurred in bringing expatriates home can be abolished.

I am sure there could be some liaison between the Australian electoral commission and their Maltese counterparts regarding postal voting and I feel certain the Maltese elector will be the winner.