| There is a possibility of an influenza pandemic occuring during the coming U.S. elections. This possibility poses a number of serious difficulties and questions with respect to the smooth and orderly transfer of power.
During the time leading up to the 1948 presidential election, a time fraught with danger of war with the Soviet Union over control of Berlin (the Berlin airlift was in full swing), President Harry Truman wrote a letter to Winston Churchill. Here is a small portion of this letter, as quoted in David McCullough's biography of Truman:
Your country and mine are founded on the fact that the people have the right to express themselves on their leaders, no matter what the crisis...
No matter what the crisis, our elections must move forward. To not do so, would set a precedent which could pose serious dangers to the country in future elections.
This diary is not intended to be in the least political in nature. Rather it is meant to explore ways to hold an election during a serious pandemic. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or of any other political affiliation does not matter in this discussion. It is in the interest of all Americans to see that a fair and orderly election and transfer of power takes place.
How do we do this during a time when much of the population is sick, and the rest of the population attempting to not contract the virus? Are there secure ways to cast our ballots over the internet or phone system? How about street-side balloting? If paper ballots are used, who does the counting and how?
This is too important a question to side-step and say we will deal with it if it comes along.
One final admonition to keep this apolitical. Please, no comments concerning the present administration or likely presidential candidates. Let us keep this discussion focused on the mechanics and logistics of holding an election during a serious pandemic. Comments by election officials would be very welcome. |
