The Washington Post ran a story recently about the fact that voter enthusiasm is high this year. As a matter of fact, the last time the percentage of people numerous polls are predicting will vote next year actually voted was 1914.
If the historical relationship between pre-election year voter interest and actual voter turnout continues, then between 182.5 million and 192.4 million people will vote next year. That’s a shocking number, but other historical voter turnout data confirm it. Data from McDonald’s website also show there is a consistent relationship between the number of ballots cast in the midterm preceding a presidential election and the number of votes cast the following election.
Remember the Blue Wave of 2018? We’re all set for next year to be even bigger.
And it’s about more than the presidency, folks. Want to demote Mitch McConnell from his post as majority leader — even if he doesn’t lose his election? Vote for the senator of your choice. Want to keep the House blue? Vote. Want a democratic legislature in your state? Vote. Want a left-leaning city hall? Vote. Do you see a pattern emerging here?
But there’s a snag. The states are woefully unprepared for the predicted turnout. Forecasts are coming in that wait times could double what they were last year. How will people respond in the face of too few voting machines, wait times of 5 hours or more, standing in line till 3 AM to cast their ballot? How would you?
If you follow how voting works in the country you know that, in certain states, that’s not a bug but a feature. Republicans know that, the higher the numbers of people who vote — the higher the number of Democrats who win. Solution? Keep people from voting. If you can’t purge everyone from the rolls, make voting as inconvenient as possible. Set up insuperable hurdles. Problem solved.
So — if your state has a Republican legislature and/or secretary of state [the office which, in most states, oversees elections] get ready for all those obstacles — and more.
Or you can take matters into your own hands: go to your city’s website and check out if there are requirements for voting absentee. [Here in Florida the only requirement is that you ask to participate.] The advantages to doing so are enormous even in normal times — and the times, these days, are anything but normal.
1] Since I began voting absentee, I’m a much better informed voter.
I used to schlep to the polls only to find all sorts of mandates or judges on the ballot I’d never heard of. How was I to make an informed decision standing there in the voting booth? Today, I sit down at the computer with my ballot and a cuppa. I google everything and everyone before setting pen to paper.
2] And that’s another thing. It’s a paper ballot. It leaves a trail and is harder to sabotage than any machine.
3] The most convenient polling place is your own mailbox. No parking problems. No lines. In today’s climate, though, given my bumper stickers and the fact that my car sits outside, I do carry my ballot to the nearest mail drop-box rather than leave it on my front porch. Better to be safe.
So, no matter how many obstacles Republicans may put in front of you, there’s already a built-in solution. All you have to do is avail yourself of it.
Saturday, Oct 12, 2019 · 3:57:52 AM +00:00 · twocrows1023
It’s mentioned in the comment thread below, but I want to be sure people see it so —
If you do vote absentee, be sure you follow the instructions to the letter. Seal your envelope — if you leave it open, they won’t count it and they don’t have to notify you of that fact.
Sign and date the back of the envelope. Make sure your signature matches the signature on record at the registration office. If you don’t recall how you signed when you registered, you can register again. If you do that, take a photo of your signature and file it on your computer so you can refer to it each time you vote. Make sure that the name AND the handwriting are exactly the same as your recorded signature.
Make certain the registrar has no excuse to discard your vote.