Letter: Church voting site chills Sutter voter

I am deeply troubled by the selection of the Sutter Community Church as our location for voting during the Novemebr 2008 election.

In the past, citizens of the town of Sutter have utilized the youth organization building (among other places as well) as the location to vote. Sutter has two schools, a public library, a fire station and perhaps other locations that could more appropriately be utilized for voters.

The separation of church and state in the USA is a basic notion established by our founding fathers. To make a church hall a location to vote seems to go against this concept.

In addition, many people may be troubled to have to enter a religious location either as members of other Christian and non-Christian churches or as atheists. Perhaps the most troubling factor for me is that the pastors of the church were supporters of record (in a full-page political ad in the Appeal-Democrat) in favor of voting Yes on Proposition 8, which was at issue in voting during this election.

I certainly hope that in the future better judgment is exercised in selecting a voting location for the people of Sutter.

We deserve a neutral site where no chilling effect of religious or political persuasion is cast upon the citizens who wish to exercise their voting right. 

Stephen A. Meyer

Sutter