The recent discussion between the Secretary of State candidates, Thornton Cooper and Kris Warner, and The Dominion Post Editorial Board has shed light on their perspectives and proposed policies. This blog post delves into their responses on crucial topics such as voting accessibility, business registration, and voter fraud, providing insights into their platforms and how they plan to address the office’s challenges.
Candidates’ Perspectives on Voting Accessibility
The Secretary of State position plays a critical role in managing election processes and ensuring fair voting practices. During their meeting with The Dominion Post Editorial Board, both candidates addressed key issues impacting voting accessibility and integrity.
Thornton Cooper, a Democrat, emphasised the need for legislative changes to improve voter accessibility. Cooper advocates for no-excuse vote-by-mail options, similar to those in California, to boost voter turnout. He believes this method would make voting more accessible and convenient, potentially increasing participation across the state.
In contrast, Kris Warner, the Republican candidate, maintained that enhancing voter turnout is not within the direct remit of the Secretary of State’s office. Warner argued that the office’s role is to ensure fair and equal access to the voting process, not to actively increase voter numbers. He placed responsibility for voter mobilisation on political candidates and parties.
Business Registration and Entrepreneurship Support
The role of the Secretary of State extends beyond elections; it also includes overseeing business registrations and fostering economic growth. Both candidates shared their views on how to support entrepreneurship in West Virginia.
Thornton Cooper expressed confidence in the current business registration procedures, stating that the real obstacles for entrepreneurs are often issues like under-capitalisation and workforce challenges. Cooper believes that the Secretary of State’s office is functioning well in this regard and sees little need for major changes.
On the other hand, Kris Warner proposed creating an Office of Entrepreneurship within the WV One Stop Business Portal. This office would offer additional support to new businesses without requiring extra staff. Warner’s plan focuses on helping entrepreneurs overcome the initial challenges of starting a business and ensuring their growth and sustainability.
Addressing Voter Fraud Concerns
The issue of voter fraud remains a contentious topic in many elections. During the interview, the candidates provided their views on this matter:
-
Kris Warner acknowledged the potential for voter fraud, citing recent actions by the current Secretary of State, Mac Warner, who removed 400,000 names from voter rolls. Warner highlighted the need for rigorous processes to manage voter registrations, including removing names of deceased individuals, convicted felons, and those who have changed addresses or names.
-
Thornton Cooper took a different stance, suggesting that voter fraud is exceptionally rare today. He pointed out that while vote buying was more common in the past, current measures make such fraud unlikely. Cooper supports making voting easier rather than more difficult and advocates for strict penalties for those caught attempting to commit fraud.
Voting Rights for Convicted Felons
Another significant topic discussed was the restoration of voting rights for convicted felons. The candidates offered their perspectives on this issue:
-
Thornton Cooper expressed a balanced view on restoring voting rights. He mentioned that while he believes Vermont’s approach of allowing incarcerated felons to vote might be excessive, he supports restoring voting rights upon release from prison. Cooper emphasised the importance of reintegrating individuals into society and removing long-term stigmas.
-
Kris Warner focused on adhering to existing state laws, stating that voting rights for convicted felons are determined by the West Virginia Legislature. Warner’s approach is to follow the legal framework in place, which restores voting rights upon the completion of a sentence.
Conclusion: What’s Next for West Virginia?
The discussion between Thornton Cooper and Kris Warner highlights the different approaches each candidate brings to the Secretary of State role. From enhancing voting accessibility to supporting business growth and managing voter fraud, their responses offer a clear picture of their priorities and plans.
For voters, understanding these perspectives is crucial in making an informed decision on Election Day. As the candidates continue to campaign, keeping track of their positions on these important issues will help you understand their vision for the future of West Virginia.
