We should expect to see more talking head recommendations for how to alter the #voting process to address #coronavirus concerns. Voting by mail is going be a part of the solution.
Here's why I don't think it can be the whole solution for the #2020election
THREAD:
Here's why I don't think it can be the whole solution for the #2020election
THREAD:
States should move to allow more voting by mail independent of recent developments. The @BPC_Bipartisan Task Force on #Elections recommends just that. We support moves by our friends at @voteathome to ensure all Americans have the option to vote by mail
bipartisanpolicy.org/report/logical…
bipartisanpolicy.org/report/logical…
That doesn't mean all states have taken the important steps to update laws and technology to administer an #election with a very high % of #voting by mail, and it's unlikely many can get up to speed before the #2020election. Many state legislatures have already adjourned
States considering moving to more vote by mail need to wrestle w/deadlines for requesting a ballot and returning one, using secure drop boxes in addition to the mail, signature matching for #voter eligibility, curing for signature issues, and timelines for processing ballots
Some states will also need to acquire better technology to handle the increased numbers of #vote by mail ballots so that they can be processed and counted within a reasonable time frame
#Voting by mail has some weaknesses. Voters w/physical disabilities cannot use a paper ballot to vote unassisted. All voters lose the protection of casting a ballot in a polling place that ensures they don't inadvertently spoil their ballot by voting for too many options
There has already been and will continue to be calls to expand voting by mail in response to the #coronavirus. Voting by mail is good policy and will improve the voting experience when implemented well. But it cannot be the only solution for the #2020election
