Sinclair Broadcast Group: Time running out for states to decide how to handle voting this fall, experts say

WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) — Amid growing concern about the safety of in-person voting this November if the coronavirus outbreak is not contained, Republicans in Congress say now is not the time for a debate about broadening access to voting by mail, but Democrats insist time is running out.

Experts agree states still have an opportunity to put procedures in place if they want Americans to vote easily and safely this fall, but they need to move fast and they probably need Washington’s help. …

Election experts and voting rights advocates say more accommodations must be made for those who may be uncomfortable with voting in person in November if the coronavirus is not contained. Requiring every state to send ballots to every voter may not be the most viable approach, though.

“This is a state-by-state decision and we know there is not a one size fits all solution for every state,” said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections for Common Cause. “With that said, we are encouraging states to act now to ensure that the November election is accessible, fair, and secure for all voters. That includes expanding existing vote by mail systems, but also other options such as early voting.” …

President Trump is among the Florida Republicans who submitted ballots by mail in 2018. He has attempted to distinguish between his support for absentee voting by himself, his family members, and several Cabinet officials in recent elections and opposition to allowing others to vote remotely if they choose.

“There’s a big difference between somebody that’s out of state and does a ballot and everything’s sealed, certified and everything else. You see what you have to do with the certifications,” Trump said at a press briefing this week, but he offered no reason why out-of-state ballots would be more secure than in-state ones.

“Since vote by mail is a paper-based system, it cannot be hacked and is a great system for post-election audits to ensure the outcome of the election is correct,” Albert said.