I am writing this letter in response to your recent editorial, “The Cochecton voter question.”

I was surprised that a newspaper I long considered progressive would support restricting the right to vote. The right to vote, along with freedom of the press, is protected by the First Amendment. The New York State Appellate Court, in its wisdom, overturned the Sullivan County Supreme Court decision, which would have disenfranchised 16 Cochecton voters.

The right to vote is the cornerstone of a democracy. It is a cherished right, which unfortunately is not always recognized as such. Only half of all eligible voters in the United States actually do vote. New York State ranks 44th in the U.S. when it comes to exercising that right.

There are many reasons why people do not vote. Looking back, education requirements and poll taxes kept southern Blacks from voting. Today, obstacles to voting include cumbersome voter registration requirements and limited voting hours. New restrictions may include requiring photo IDs and stricter residency requirements.

Many other countries have easier voting requirements and therefore better voter turnout. Why then is The River Reporter implying that New York State should have stricter voting requirements? The right to vote should not be denied due to a person’s race, religion, nor economic status. The River Reporter in its editorial implied that only rich people can have a second home and therefore it is unfair to allow second homeowners to vote where they have their second homes.

Many second-home owners are not wealthy. They are police officers, firemen, teachers, working people and their families, who want to have a peaceful abode in which they can enjoy their life. People also have the right to vote about issues that concern them. These issues may be a new road going through their community, or new zoning laws, and even issues that threaten their health, such as hydrofracking. Taxpayers have a right to vote on these issues. Taxation without representation went out with The Boston Tea Party.

The 16 Lake Huntington residents are taxpayers. They have owned their residences for many years and return to their homes year after year. They are active participants in the community. These residents were disenfranchised. When the Sullivan County Supreme Court denied their right to vote, they appealed to the New York State Appellate Court. The law was on their side. They won. I heap praises on these brave individuals. River Reporter, you got it wrong!

[Paul D. Salzberg, MD is a resident of Lake Huntington, NY, and maintains a practice in the Town of Delaware, NY.]