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Coronavirus Should Not Interfere With Elections

Coronavirus Should Not Interfere With Elections

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If America conducted elections during the Civil War and World War II, the Coronavirus should not interfere with elections taking place now, and especially the Presidential Election in November. There is ample time and a number of options that can be put in place now and the coming months.

The Federal Election system need not be caught flatfooted in ensuring that citizens will be able to vote in November because of failing of invest and preparing viable options for elections to take place in every state. Learn from the Public Health system, which was woefully unprepared to handle the coronavirus, because of a lack of preparation and adequate funding.  Moving forward, the coronavirus should not interfere with elections.

The massive spread of the virus and the crippling impact it is having on the economy and every aspect of American life could have been significantly minimized if not avoided had the Public Health System had a plan in place for such a pandemic. There has been decades of neglect and underfunding in resources, medical equipment, and personnel that could have been mobilized for such a time as this.

If the Federal and State Election system begin now putting a plan and options in place that will ensure that every eligible citizen will be able to vote, the coronavirus should not interfere with elections. Elections should be able to take place in towns, cities and states all across America.

We are already getting warning signals during the Presidential primaries. Several states, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio, postponed their primary elections because of fears about the coronavirus. Clearly, the health and well-being of citizens should be the priority. But, why is it necessary to have to make such a choice?

coronavirus should not interfere with elections

Coronavirus Should Not Interfere With Elections.
Photo Credit: Feverpitched

Many states have already implemented voting by mail. Many others have extended early voting options to everyone without restrictions. Absentee ballots have long been used in nursing homes, the military, and other situations where voters are unable to vote in person. These and other options should be more readily available as options for all eligible voters. The coronavirus should not interfere with elections, especially the November Presidential election.

Congress should pass legislation now with the needed funding to allow the election system to implement options that will ensure that every American can vote. Based on current projections, the country could still be reeling from this global pandemic. If not in a massive way, we certainly could be experiencing a weak and feeble recovery.

To President Trump and Congress, please prepare our election system to keep our democracy strong amid this health crisis. This health crisis should be our lesson about the need and importance of advance preparation. The coronavirus should not interfere with elections, which could further cripple our American way of life.

Feature Photo Credit: Powerofflowers

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Janice Ellis
Janice Ellis
Janice S. Ellis, PhD, is an award-winning author. Her book, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other major book sellers. She has written a column for newspapers, radio, and now online, where she analyzes educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. You can see her writings on this website.

14 Comments

  1. Anyi Lizeth says:

    Regarding the comment, it seems to me that all the states must be unified and a date must be determined to elect a new president, it is important to continue with our lives, so the corronavirus scares us, but we can vote virtually.

  2. Judith says:

    I believe that the legislators can come up with ways to tackle the situation if they put up the necessary measures. I love the idea of voting by mail as it’s confidential and safe for everyone.

  3. Michael Ower says:

    I quite agree with you.. The government downplayed the corona virus and that’s why its now a pandemic..If government can put in place things that will allow citizens to vote without having to line up or form a queue in public places,then the corona virus won’t thwart the voting process..

  4. Prince says:

    There is time to prepare the election system to keep the democracy strong amid this health crisis, things should be put in place for the success of the election. Let wait and see what the government decision will be about the coming election.

  5. David Mureithi says:

    It is good the government notes and puts measures to ensure that everything goes on as was planned. This pandemic should not act as a way to hider things.

  6. Wilson Jake says:

    Seriously Corona virus is really dangerous but shouldn’t be a reason to stop the supposed election in November. There is time to plan for other means to vote, electronic voting can really be considered. Also earlier start can also help solve over crowded space.

  7. Meldred Judith says:

    This virus should not interfere with anything. I just hope that this pandemic will end soon.

  8. Janine Bocateja says:

    I agree that it should not interfere with elections. I’m from the Philippines and now even politicians are using this time to gain more sympathy and empathy to people. I hope they continue to serve without this crisis. Stay safe y’all!

  9. Malia says:

    I totally agree with you. Corona is not here to stay. We need to make Wise decision especially during this Presidential election.

  10. Alex says:

    Sorry to be blunt but I cannot wrap my head in the fact that why are we still talking about elections? Seriously??? People around the world is dying and doctors says that the virus could last for 2 years at most!!! So why? What we need now is to be united. Have a heart and not agenda. We are at war so leave the politics out the window.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Alex, you are correct that trying to fight the virus is priority. But after we get through this pandemic, good government will be needed. Moving forward with elections will be important to get needed leadership to get the country and its citizens back on a good path–both economically and health wise.

  11. Danielle M says:

    I’m not from the States but I’ve always admired the strength and courage from their people against adversity. However, it’s hard to give an opinion regarding a politic when the COVID-19 is involved, especially cause at moment the future looks very unpredcitable.

    • Oyeyipo Oladele says:

      Covid 19 should not affect the elections. Since the elections are still a it far I.e November as stated. The massive spread of the virus and the crippling impact it is having on the economy and every aspect of American life could have been significantly minimized if not avoided had the Public Health System had a plan in place for such a pandemic. Am pretty sure the deadly virus would have been tackled before then.

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