Vote early!

SOMEDAY soon, voting in Pennsylvania could be as easy as it is in Iraq. A bill allowing early voting is making its way through the state Legislature.

State Rep. Babette Josephs wants to amend the state constitution to broaden the number of people who can vote with absentee ballots. Right now, only a small number of people - military personnel, the elderly, those too sick to leave their homes, and those with jobs requiring them to travel on Election Day - are allowed to vote absentee.

Rep. Josephs' proposal is accompanied by a bill by Rep. Mike McGeehan that would allow "no excuse" absentee voting, which would let anyone cast a ballot before Election Day. Combined, these proposals would be a big step forward to making Pennsylvania more voter- friendly.

The 34 states that allow early voting tend to have higher participation in elections. Letting all voters cast absentee ballots also has the added benefit of reducing long lines on Election Day.

If it's good enough for an infant democracy, shouldn't it be good enough for us? It's time for Pennsylvania to catch up with Iraq.

No purple fingers required. *