Fellow Voters
Early voting has been taking place for several weeks, and more than seventy-five million people have already cast their votes. Tomorrow, Tuesday 5, the designated traditional final day of voting is just twelve hours away. Our right to vote as citizens of the US is enshrined in the constitution. We have enormous collective power to determine who will enact laws and determine the direction the country takes for the next four years and beyond. Eligible voters, who squander that responsibility to vote, deny themselves the right to add their “voice(s)” to an important activity. The bitter gnashing of teeth, vitriol, empty complaints, and endless regrets post-election render them vocally neutered in any meaningful conversation. So, each of us should go out and vote to give a loud voice to our political power.
Both political parties are heavily lawyered up to petition the courts to deal with seeming election irregularities. Also, law enforcement is keenly alert to respond to machinations by bad actors, intent on subverting the smooth running of the elections. In the meanwhile, officials responsible for the supervision of the election process, voice confidence that mechanisms are in place to ensure a free and fair election. Some politicians, however, driven by narrow political ends, are already casting doubts on the fairness of the elections. They are supported by internal forces, using propaganda and conspiracy theories to fuel the fire of mischief. External forces, using carefully camouflaged back-channels, are also weaving the web of deception to benefit those with whom their own interests are aligned. Cybersecurity agencies within law enforcement have already sounded the alert to Congress about the nefarious activities of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China to create mayhem and cast doubts on our democratic system of governing.
Irrespective of which political party we support, we have a moral responsibility to oppose a repeat of what happened on January 6, 2020. With such a closely contested election, Officials, particularly in the swing states, are offering explanations as to why results for some states may not be declared late on Tuesday due to election regulations governing the order of counting mail-in votes in relation to in-person pre-election-day voting, and same-day voting on Tuesday 5. Some politicians, sowing the seeds of doubt, are already questioning why results would not be available by mid-night Tuesday. Some, without any credible evidence, cast doubts on the integrity of voting machines, demanding that ballots be counted by hand, a process that would slow-down counting and delay declaration of results. Advisors to one presidential contender are already urging him to declare victory on Tuesday even if results for a number of states are still outstanding. Such action will throw the country into chaos, considering the frayed nerves, and irrationality of those programmed to cast doubt.
Hoping for a peaceful outcome of the elections, and the eventual peaceful transfer of power irrespective of who wins.
Ramdular Singh