Cooperation is right approach in voting probe

The intent of a flier being circulated in the border city of San Luis, Ariz. about a voter fraud investigation is disputed, but it does seem to be an attempt to undermine the probe.

The flier was produced by the Vote Free Political Action Committee (VFPAC), which supported the mayor and three council candidates in the city elections earlier this year in San Luis. It urges caution in responding to a current investigation of possible voter misconduct in the primary election.

The investigation was requested by Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett due to a high number of early ballots with questionable signatures. The probe was recently announced by Yuma County officials and is being conducted by an unnamed agency.

Maria Pinzon, president of VFPAC and wife of a council member, says the flier is simply an attempt to inform the public about their right to a secret vote and ability to not answer questions.

But David Lara, an unsuccessful candidate in the election, sees it as an attempt to discourage people from cooperating.

We agree with Lara that the flier seems like an unusual reaction.

Fair elections are essential to the democratic process, so we would think full cooperation into possible fraud would be a matter of interest to all community members.

If people refuse to participate, it will make the investigation more difficult. Is that the aim of the flier? The more appropriate reaction would be to circulate a flier urging full participation.

If the election was conducted properly, there is nothing to fear in cooperating with the probe. In fact, it helps prove more quickly that it was conducted fairly.