Delays.
As we approach one of the most critical elections in recent American history, the promise of timely election results is already being undermined by officials in key battleground states.
Several election chiefs across the nation are beginning to lay the groundwork for extended delays in reporting results, reminiscent of the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election.
During a recent appearance on CBS News, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson projected that election results in her state may not be available until Wednesday, November 6.
This raises a critical question: why the extended timeline when many states have successfully reported results on Election Night for generations?
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger countered with a somewhat more optimistic outlook on results reporting, stating that 70 to 75 percent of the vote totals would be reported by 8 PM on Election Night. Yet, he caveated his remarks by noting the need to wait for a relatively small number of overseas ballots to arrive by the following Friday. This reasoning, in light of the larger context, feels weak and raises eyebrows about the integrity of swift election reporting.
As it stands, many Americans remember the unsettling scenes from 2020—a year that saw delays and last-minute ballot counts shift the apparent winner long after polls closed. Comprehensive polling shows that the upcoming election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remains neck-and-neck, raising the stakes for both parties.
Yet, as fears of chaos swell, voter confidence in the electoral process wanes. The mainstream media's rampant fearmongering about potential unrest if Trump loses is just the same tactic employed in the lead-up to the last election. It seems designed not only to sway public sentiment but to discredit legitimate concerns over election integrity.
Voters are left wondering whether their choices will truly reflect their will, particularly if ballots are further delayed. Skepticism surrounding election outcomes is hardly unjustified, especially considering how many instances in recent years have revealed a system fraught with vulnerabilities.
Various reports have documented allegations of election irregularities in recent cycles, contributing to a climate where distrust in the electoral process is becoming the norm. This skepticism isn't merely a Republican talking point; it's a logical response to a rapidly evolving political landscape where the stakes are higher than ever.
Even outlets traditionally viewed as centrist are slowly beginning to report on concerns regarding election integrity, hinting at a rising chorus of doubt that crosses party lines.
As voters gear up for the challenges ahead, the demand for transparent, timely election results has never been more critical. The American people deserve to know the outcome of their elections promptly, without prolonged waiting periods that only serve to fuel doubt and speculation.
As Election Day draws near, it is essential to hold officials accountable and to ensure that every vote is counted fairly and efficiently. The idea of delaying results has no place in our democracy, and citizens should continue pressing for a system that operates transparently and accounts for every voice in the electorate.
The alarm bells have been rung—Americans are right to challenge the emerging narrative that delays should be the new norm, demanding results that reflect their will on Election Night, as has been the tradition in this great democracy.
Sources:
thefederalist.comlibertynation.commises.org