It doesn’t require any empirical evidence for a reasoning person to conclude that if you leave your bicycle out, unlocked, it will probably be stolen. The fact that theft is a punishable crime does not in itself inspire much confidence in the typical bicycle owner. We use chains.

 

How much more is political power worth than a Schwinn? Senators, governors, representatives and presidents oversee vast amounts of taxpayer’s treasure. VAST. They have the power to pick winners and losers, dole out government contracts to friends, and stymie foes. Millions of dollars in campaign contributions roll into some races. Minnesota spends over $15 billion a year. The federal government spends trillions. Passage of a single law can make one businesses wildly successful, or crush another. Scores of special interest groups receive billions of dollars from the government. What then is the value of a vote?

 

Minnesota’s elections are so laxly secured that it can be easily compared to the honor system. The word of one person is enough to secure a ballot. Our ballots control nearly unfathomable amounts of political power and money. Our money. To go through life confident that none would be tempted to steal something so immensely valuable as a vote while dutifully chaining and locking your 12-speed must require an invincible state of delusion.

 

I challenge my fellow Minnesotans who have no concern about having their vote stolen by fraud and who oppose simple election protections, like requiring photo ID to vote: Leave your bicycle outside, unchained overnight. There is no evidence that proves that it will be stolen and it's far less valuable than the vote you aren't concerned about securing.