There is substantial concern about what might happen on election night, assuming that a huge number of voters cast their ballots by mail and that they won’t be counted for days after the election.
The fears cited are that Trump voters are more likely to vote in person since they as a group seem to have little fear of the virus, don’t wear masks, don’t bother with social distancing, etc. Thus the results available from election day voting could very likely favor Trump and show him leading.
If that is the case, the assumption many journalists are making is that Trump will declare victory that night. And that as mail ballots are counted over the next few days and his lead shrinks or disappears, he will declare fraud and will refuse to abide by the election results.
This scenario does not seem far-fetched given the President’s personality. Also, note that these articles are not written by left-wing activists. Even David Brooks wrote an op-ed fearing this result.
There is only one practical way to avoid this nightmare scenario. People should be urged to vote in person, being assured that if they wear a mask and social distance, they can vote in person, in safety. This advice is in keeping with testimony recently presented by CDC Director Dr. Redmond. As many people as possible must vote on election day to avoid the imagined catastrophe.
Weeks ago, I wrote this same basic post, sent it to the DNC, and sent an op-ed submission to the New York Times. But no one gave my thought any notice.
There is still time. While many people have already mailed in their ballots, many haven't. The Democratic party needs to flood the airwaves and print media immediately with the positive message that if you wear a mask and social distance you will be safe voting in person, even if you are older. And making the point that if you do not vote in person, there’s a good chance that the nightmare scenario will occur.
Democrats have only a week or two to make this appeal. They need to start now.
