Disqualified by date

How many voters’ ballots will be discarded and who will be blamed in the claim of fraudulent results following Nov. 3rd?

In counties across this country, property tax deadlines now fall on Monday, Nov. 2 and are sent by mail.

The common denominator for ballots and taxes to be dated on time is the United States Post Office. Frontline postal workers and behind-the scenes, hard-at-it employees can handle a finite number of pieces of mail in a finite time period.

Rejection of “late date” ballots will likely have dire consequences. The world is keenly watching this superpower democracy as prior to Nov. 3 an ugly underbelly slides into view. Real time devices don’t lie. Hate, violence, intimidation, under the guise of maintaining order, and the threat of disqualifying correctly filed ballots–all turn topsy-turvy a peaceful transition of power. The heart of democracy.

The SARS-2 Covid-19 pandemic will definitely disrupt end of 2020 and into 2021 holiday festivities for millions. Eventually it will end.

This election and its aftermath may well take a decade or longer to undo the damage to live democracy. A major world leader set the moral compass for those seeking what that country holds dearest. Here: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, based on each individual’s inalienable rights.

Safeguard your rights. Pay your property taxes early. Drop off or mail in your ballot days ahead of the deadline. Write down the date and time. No excuses. The world and children watching the news on their devices depend on you.

Heed a statement signed by more than 50 executives and sent to the New York Times’ DealBook. They champion:

• “’Every vote will be counted,’ and election officials should ‘encourage patience’ during potentially protracted counts of absentee ballot.

• “The news media should ‘take caution’ and avoid calling the election prematurely.

• “Business leaders should ‘promote patience and civility among employees, communities and the American people.’

“America has successfully held elections through previous challenges, like the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the 1918 flu pandemic. Now, it is our turn” they conclude.

Democracy lives in your hands. Do your part as only you can do.

Jerry Reid

Bellingham