The importance of protecting all voting methods

By: Representative Lisa Finley-Deville

September 9, 2025

As a representative of the people who elected me, it's a serious concern when I hear talk about taking away options for people to vote. This national conversation around eliminating mail-in ballots and voting machines is a direct challenge to the fundamental principle of democracy.

For many communities, including those I represent in tribal nations, diverse voting options are not a luxury, they are a necessity. Mail-in voting is essential for citizens who live in rural areas with limited transportation, for our elders and those with disabilities, and for our service members stationed far from home. Removing this option would disenfranchise thousands of Americans.

Election security is a critical step that we must maintain, and I believe our North Dakota secretary of state does a good job in preventing bad situations from happening. But when we have a national discussion of eliminating proven methods of voting we are potentially taking steps to continue disenfranchising our people. Our focus should be on strengthening our election infrastructure, not dismantling it. We can't let fearmongering about election security be an excuse to strip away people's rights. We must trust in the integrity of our systems and the dedication of the election workers who ensure every vote is counted accurately.

We have a collective responsibility to protect and expand voting rights for all. We must reject rhetoric that seeks to divide us and instead work together to build a just democracy where every citizen has the chance to make their voice heard. All votes, cast in all ways, must be honored.

Rep. Lisa Finley-Deville, D-Mandaree, serves in the North Dakota House of Representatives.