Return to sender not an option.

AuthorAllen, Samantha
PositionLocal

Byline: Samantha Allen

WORCESTER -- Mark Parenteau, a native of this city, says he believes strongly that every vote counts.

That's why he votes every year -- by absentee ballot, since he suffers a spinal condition that makes getting around difficult.

When Mr. Parenteau, 64, mailed his ballot and put one first-class stamp on the envelope this week, he expected his civic duty for the year had come to an end.

He was wrong.

Mr. Parenteau received the ballot back in the mail, with a notice that he was 21 cents short on postage. A stamp costs 49 cents today, but this year's mid-term election ballot costs 70 cents to mail. If you're doing the math, that means sending that envelope should cost a voter almost a stamp and a half.

So when Massachusetts residents mail in their ballots for this year's election by Tuesday, they'll either be required to stick on more stamps, or bring the ballot to the post office to be weighed.

Mr. Parenteau said he was dismayed to receive the envelope back in the mail Wednesday. He hoped to spread the word about his experience so others are sure to get their ballots in on time for Nov. 4.

"You can't complain unless you've taken part in the (voting) process,'' he said. "There's going to be some tight questions and tight races with politicians this year, and every vote should count. People have died for votes. There's been wars over this. It's an important part of our democratic system and it shouldn't be taken lightly, or cheaply.''

As it turns out, Mr. Parenteau's experience should never have taken place.

The U.S. Postal Service confirmed to the Telegram & Gazette that proper procedure was not followed in this instance. Brian McNiff, spokesman for Secretary of State William Galvin's office, said his office has been made aware of Mr. Parenteau's issue, too. If a ballot is received with insufficient postage, Mr. McNiff said, the letter should be forwarded and the Secretary of State's office will use funds to cover the difference.

"They should not remain at the post office,'' he said. "The division has also contacted (a) Worcester post office specifically about holding them.''

Mr...

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