Do your part to make vote go smoothly
The end of the 2020 election campaign is finally in sight. Tuesday is Election Day. Soon, we hope, everyone will know the outcome of one of the most hotly contested political races in memory.
If it seems as though this campaign has been endless, there’s a good reason. As soon as Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2016 election, the battle lines were drawn for this year’s race. Over the last four years there’s been open political warfare not just in Washington but among ordinary people who disagree about the best way to move the nation forward.
The days of people paying attention to politics during presidential years and tuning out the rest of the time are long gone. It seems as if just about every day there’s an issue out there that’s causing a stir. These days there are often several at a time.
More political engagement certainly is a good thing. We and others have railed against American apathy for too long to state otherwise. We just wish that the temperature of the debate wasn’t quite so hot all the time. A break from intense political posturing would leave at least a bit of time between campaign seasons for policymakers to develop bipartisan solutions to our nation’s problems.
Changing this trend will be difficult, and undoubtedly the topic will be high on the agenda once Tuesday has passed.
But right now we’re at the moment where political debate is and should be at its most vigorous. The candidates and their supporters are making their closing arguments. We urge those who have yet to cast their votes to pay close attention and make an informed decision.
Typically at this time of year we deliver a message urging people to vote. Indeed we still want to encourage all who are registered to exercise one of our most cherished rights, especially in this extraordinarily consequential election.
However, it’s already quite clear that people don’t need much encouragement this year. Tens of millions of people have already cast their ballots by mail or at early-voting sites around the country. That includes millions of Pennsylvania voters taking advantage of a new law allowing no-excuse mail-in balloting.
Clearly the COVID-19 pandemic is a major factor in this early response. Health authorities are urging people to avoid crowds, and mail-in ballots provide a way to keep away from busy polling places on Tuesday.
But there’s more to it than that. States that open polls for early voting are reporting long lines. And the numbers are impressive. Some communities have seen more people voting in advance than they did for the entire 2016 election. It looks like America is on pace for an election with recordbreaking turnout.
The key now is for each of us to do our part to make sure this goes smoothly and that each vote counts.
Those who have received a mail-in ballot but have yet to return it should seek a drop box rather than putting it in the mail at this late date. In Berks County, people can deposit ballots at the Berks County Services Center next to the courthouse in Reading or at the Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township. Both are open Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Montgomery County has 11 locations of drop boxes — Cheltenham, Conshohocken, Lansdale, Lower Merion, Norristown, Pottstown, Royersford, Skippack, Upper Dublin, Upper Frederick, Upper Moreland — and four satellite offices. Drop boxes will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2 and on Election Day, Nov. 3. Voters must have their ballots submitted via drop box or by way of the county’s voter services office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Be sure to follow all instructions carefully for completing the ballot, and be aware that each voter must deliver his or her own ballot to the drop box.
We urge those heading out to polling stations on Tuesday to be patient and courteous with their fellow voters and with the poll workers who are providing a crucial public service at a very difficult time.
Take a deep breath, everyone. Tuesday and its aftermath are likely to be challenging. Let’s advocate our positions and make our choices with kindness and understanding in mind. Each of us can make this critical moment a bit better for everyone.