Just How Important is Your freedom?

       A friend of mine has a bi-weekly editorial in an area newspaper. One of his most recent editorials hit a nail I've been trying to drive home. Steve points out that voting is a very important part of  'free speech' and as such should not be restricted in any way. While nobody may actually be verbalizing at the time of voting, that's no different than funding commercials to tear down the "other side". In fact it's far more important than just spending money to voice your opinion and as such must be and is protected under the Constitution. Voters must not be restricted from voting nor coerced into voting a certain way.
       So what does that mean? It means that when a state tries to restrict this form of free speech, it ignores the Constitution. Folks scream like hell about the right to bear arms under the Constitution and fear to register to buy a gun, but don't seem to mind if states require you to jump through high hoops to register to vote. Which is more important? Guns or voting? I leave that answer to you, but to own a gun is not more important than to vote your own choice.
       When any state chooses to restrict voting by means of subterfuge or openly flaunts the Constitution, that state must be prosecuted and required to cease and desist such actions. Since voting is a Constitutional right under the first amendment (abridging the freedom of speech) and as such is constitutional, no state can stop or hinder the exercise of this freedom. Voting is not dependent upon the voters membership in a certain party or demographic. No choice of candidate can determine the voter's right. And no long list of extraordinary proof can be required to vote, anywhere in America.
       If you agree with this appraisal, don't tell me, tell your Congressman and Senators. Then tell the White House. That's another form of freedom of speech. It needs to be exercised.