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America needs vote-by-mail in November. Here's why both parties can embrace it:
A THREAD by @BruceABond & @ErikOlsen129 ( @commongroundcom co-founders). 1/17
#commonground #weavingcommunity #inthistogether
A THREAD by @BruceABond & @ErikOlsen129 ( @commongroundcom co-founders). 1/17
#commonground #weavingcommunity #inthistogether
We’re facing a scenario where many people may decide not to vote in November because of the pandemic. Risks related to #COVID19 are considered more acute for seniors, which means long-term, faithful voters are being asked to choose between voting and their health concerns. 2/17
For example, last month Lee McFadden Jr., 63 went to vote in Wisconsin’s primary after recovering from #COVID19. He confronted long lines and, unable to stand for long, went home. His decision could be a portent of things to come in November, but it doesn't have to be. 3/17
Our organization, http://commongroundcommittee.org , is dedicated to bringing healing to the challenges of incivility and polarization by showing Americans that consensus can be found and progress made through passionate but civil debate. 4/17
In the case of vote-by-mail, the common ground is right in front of us: At least for November, surely we can all agree that voters like McFadden should feel safe when casting their ballots. 5/17
The bickering over vote-by-mail is more intense than it ought to be. Vote-by-mail, when implemented properly, can enable both secure elections and allow eligible voters to legitimately cast their ballots. 6/17
Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington all vote almost entirely by mail, and the process enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support in each state. https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/articles-reports/2020/04/07/vote-by-mail-poll 7/17
Even so, concerns about fraud are legitimate and should be bipartisan. Across counties in red and blue states, Judicial Watch found at least 2.5 million voter registrations incorrectly listed as valid. 8/17
Fortunately, there are ways to balance safety and security. Data shows almost no reported incidents of voter fraud in the five states that employ vote-by-mail, and no election results have been overturned according to The Heritage Foundation https://www.heritage.org/voterfraud/search?combine=&state=All&year=&case_type=All&fraud_type=24497&_ga=2.12574644.1414507925.1587563897-525623535.1584719379&page=0 9/17
A 2005 report authored by former President Jimmy Carter and James Baker is often cited by those with reservations about vote-by-mail. It found absentee ballots are more susceptible to voter fraud and intimidation. 10/17
Carter has now called for expanded access to absentee ballots: “since 2005, many states have gained substantial experience in vote-by-mail and have shown how key concerns can be effectively addressed through appropriate planning, resources, training, and messaging.” 11/17
Both parties can benefit from vote-by-mail. The general perception is that vote-by-mail would benefit Democrats, however polls show Republicans typically do well with voters over 65, the demographic most likely to avoid showing up at polls because of the coronavirus. 12/17
Vote-by-mail is not perfect and there are real hurdles to overcome. There is always a risk of voter fraud and states will have to invest significant money and resources to minimize that risk. 13/17
Still, these hurdles are outweighed by the need to ensure folks, who have voted for years and now fear doing so, can feel safe casting their ballots. 14/17
Secretary Wyman recently told KIRO Radio that we shouldn’t view this issue through the lens of our parties: “We need to make policy that’s good for our voters, allows a lot of access, and is secure.” We couldn’t agree more. https://mynorthwest.com/1807740/kim-wyman-vote-by-mail-november-2020-election/ 15/17
Vote-by-mail may or may not be the best election system over time. But in this election, it is worth the investment so states that have the means to implement it can help their most vulnerable citizens feel safe. 16/17
There is enough common ground for both parties to feel comfortable doing right by our long-term, faithful voters. We hope the states that can will seize this opportunity and implement vote-by-mail for November. END THREAD 17/17
