In the News…

Libertarians on ‘next screen’

I took my 16-year-old to get her license at the Lee County Tax Collector’s office this week. We made an appointment, so we moved to the front of the line and were helped within five minutes of our arrival. I was thrilled to experience something atypical of the stereotype! When completing the digital paperwork, the attendant asked if my daughter would like to register to vote. As an active member in the political process, I was delighted to hear this option, so I encouraged her to say “yes.” She was given the option to choose her party affiliation at that time.

In a household where her mother is a Libertarian, and father a Republican, I was curious to find out which party she chose. In the car ride home, I asked about her selection. She said she wanted to choose Libertarian, but it was not offered on the screen, only Republican and Democrat were choices. I was disheartened to hear this news. I later learned that there are several screens of choices on the digital display, with other parties listed as options, but you had to choose “next screen.” Hmm — How can we possibly expect anything other than the “status quo” from our political system, when indoctrination, such as this clever limitation of choices by the local government, exists?

At least she can change her affiliation in the next two years before her first election, but I’m now hip to your voter registration suppressive ways Mr. Tommy Doyle! Voter beware!Charlene Couillard, treasurer, Libertarian Party of Lee County