Persistent change

A view from Cloudland Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Change is the theme for 2020, and there are new reminders of that seemingly every day — many of them connected with the election.

One of the most recent changes is the cancellation of the second presidential debate. It was an unprecedented move, but an understandable one. On Friday, the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates cancelled the second of three debates, following President Donald Trump's refusal to participate in a virtual format. The third debate is reportedly still on, set for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Also still on is a growing controversy over drop-off locations for absentee ballots in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott recently issued an order limiting counties to one drop-off location. He says his order is meant to boost election security, though there is no documented evidence of any threat. His opponents, who are challenging the order in court, call it overt voter suppression. In any event, a "last-minute legal battle" appears likely, as noted in a report from The Texas Tribune. Other voting-related court challenges are underway elsewhere, including in the battleground state of Wisconsin.

Four years ago, institutions like the presidential debate and the vote appeared intact, at least from a process standpoint. But the current political climate seems to thrive on upending these things. Still, recent events show the importance of participating in the vote and pushing to protect our democracy. Three weeks from the election, our overall awareness and our determination to protect such norms are more important than ever. 

— Gareth Henderson