Bob Goodale, from Mattituck, casts his vote for party primaries...

Bob Goodale, from Mattituck, casts his vote for party primaries at Mattituck-Cutchogue Jr. Sr High School on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015. Credit: Randee Daddona

I agree with columnist Rick Brand that using statistical demographics and high-tech targeting of voters contributes to diminishing voter turnout [“Voter targeting toxic to turnout,” News Column, Nov. 15].

Undecided or uninformed voters are being ignored based on prior failure to vote, and they remain uninformed about significant issues and candidates’ views. Worse, the feeling that their vote has no value is reinforced. In a very real way they are disenfranchised.

Meanwhile, consistent voters are barraged by robocalls and pollsters disrupting meals, work and even sleep. As Brand writes, these calls are made based on known information. This time and money would be better used to inform nonvoters.

I have frequently used demographics and statistics for research, presentations and predictions of future service needs. I know that data can be used inappropriately or unethically, and the results will change because of different statistical analyses. There is a well-known saying: Statistics don’t lie, but liars do statistics.

A decision to provide or gather information only via select populations undermines the basic tenets of the voting process.

Pamela M. Clark, Merrick

Editor’s note: The writer is a licensed psychologist.

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