The Patience To Ensure Every Single Vote is Counted
Rep. Mary Isaacson October 16, 2020 | 10:53 AM
Pennsylvania will be a key battleground state in this election, and we all can agree: every citizen 18 years of age and older has the right to vote and do so safely this November, whether that be in-person or by mail. Every vote will be counted. Every vote matters, and it is both our democratic and civic duty to shape our future by exercising our right to vote.
Because of COVID-19, experts anticipate a large number of mail-in ballots, which take time to count. In fact, we saw this in our primary election. This means that instead of the projected winners we are all used to seeing reported on election night, it is very likely that the results of the general election will not be known in time for the 11 p.m. news – and there is no legal requirement they have to be known on Election Day.
It’s vital to be patient and allow every vote to be verified and counted as we have throughout American history. Until those votes are finished being tallied, we must respect the integrity of our democratic process and wait patiently for the final certified results. 2020 will be an election like no other, with projected historic turnout and public health challenges. Every vote cast must be counted, and the democratic will of the majority must be respected. This is the cornerstone of American democracy.
Register to vote. If you choose to vote by mail, apply for your ballot as soon as you can and, when it arrives, fill it out and return it right away – making sure to place the ballot in the secrecy envelope, putting that in the return mail envelope and fully completing the voter declaration. If you choose to vote in person, the polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Election results should reflect the actual choices of our Commonwealth’s eligible voters. But you must vote to be part of the conversation that will ultimately decide who represents you and your neighbors at the local, state and federal levels of government. During an election, your vote is your voice. Make sure your voice is heard on Nov. 3!