Presidential race tightens as counting continues

American flags are displayed on the Ora E. Paul memorial marker on the Woodstock Village Green. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The closer it got to midnight, the more the 2020 presidential race tightened up on Tuesday night. But a conclusion was nowhere in sight.

The influx of mail-in ballots was a major factor throughout the country, as many millions of them remained to be counted. Additionally, the rules governing the counting process vary from state to state this year. Resulting delays in some areas were expected to last into Wednesday morning, as a nation awaited the outcome of the race between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden.

Close to midnight, Trump held the lead in the battlegrounds of Michigan and Pennsylvania, with just over half the vote counted in both states. Biden pulled ahead in Virginia at the same time, with CNN calling the state for the former vice president. Within the hour, multiple networks called the pivotal states of Ohio and Florida for Trump. Minnesota was soon called for Biden, who also held a lead in Arizona as the hour neared 1 a.m.

In earlier local news, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) won a third term as governor, with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman (P/D) conceding the race around 9 p.m. Scott had a substantial lead of 66 to 27 percent, with 88 percent of districts reporting.

“Today, Vermonters have spoken and I am humbled to earn your support once again, your faith and trust in me is the greatest honor of my life and I will continue to work every single day to make the lives of Vermonters better," Scott said in a video statement.

Earlier in the day, Scott also made headlines by confirming he voted for Joe Biden for president — the first Republican governor in the country to admit such.

Also in Vermont, the closely-followed lieutenant governor race had Democrat Molly Gray ahead of Republican Scott Milne, 50 to 41 percent with 88 percent of districts reporting.

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) easily won reelection, taking 67 percent of the vote in that race, according to The Associated Press. Republican challenger Miriam Berry came in at 26 percent.

Nationwide, early voting hit 70 percent of the 2016 general election vote total on Monday. Similarly, Vermont's voting also surged before Nov. 3, surpassing two-thirds of the state's 2016 vote tally by the weekend.

That's not to say the polls were quiet on Tuesday in the Green Mountain State. Far from it, said Democratic State Rep. Charlie Kimbell, of Woodstock, who was greeting voters outside of town hall on Tuesday.

"We had people waiting in line at 7 a.m.," Kimbell said, adding he'd seen a steady stream of people throughout the day. There were also voters who insisted on casting their ballot in person on Election Day, he noted, to uphold that tradition amid the pandemic.

— Gareth Henderson

States close in on voter turnout records

American flags are displayed on the Ora E. Paul memorial marker on the Woodstock Village Green. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

With a week to go until Election Day, multiple states are on their way to shattering voter turnout records, and Vermont is no exception. 

As of Monday evening, more than 208,000 Vermonters had voted early, which accounts for two-thirds of the total votes in the 2016 general election, according to Secretary of State Jim Condos. Nationwide, early voting has already passed the early vote total for 2016, The Associated Press reported. 

In a state press briefing on Tuesday, Condos thanked Vermonters "for overwhelmingly embracing the safe, secure voting options available to them during these challenging times." Those options have included early voting in person, mailing your ballot, or dropping off your ballot at your town clerk's office or into a local ballot drop-off box. Those options remain available, Condos said, along with bringing your ballot to drop off at your local polling place, up until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Many Vermonters are still expected to vote in-person on Election Day, he added, and each polling place will have precautions in place such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

Earlier this year, Vermont became one of the few states to decide to send ballots to all registered voters in 2020, joining California, Nevada, and New Jersey. Montana also allowed this, but left the final call on mail-in voting up to individual counties, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The states of Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington already had mail-in voting systems in place.

In all states, town and city clerks and election workers have done an incredible job under difficult circumstances. We've all seen the photos of long lines of early voters, especially in the largest states. The run-up to the election is indeed unprecedented, but the counting process will be as well, since the rules governing the process vary from state to state. It could be a matter of days until we know the winner of the presidential race.

That obviously doesn't help in this politically volatile environment, but we can take heart that many millions of Americans have made sure to cast their ballots already. Clearly, the vote, this crucial institution in our democracy, has many people who not only want to use it, but may well be interested in protecting it. One week away from this critical election, we can help the cause by making sure we vote, and making sure our family, friends and neighbors vote. Participation is the most important step to take now, and current voting numbers are encouraging signs that we’re taking an active role in our democracy.

— Gareth Henderson

Making room for change

Sunlight breaks through the trees along Fletcher Schoolhouse Road in South Woodstock, Vermont, late Sunday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

This year's presidential election is a crucial point in our nation's history, but it's not the final solution to the nation's problems, not by a long shot. It's up to the American people to change the nation for the better, and, in this polarized country, that work will need doing no matter who is elected. 

The good news is, we are equal to the task. We are still a strong people, with many citizens who believe in one of our most fundamental rights: the vote. Many Americans have already cast their ballots either by in-person early voting or absentee balloting. By Sunday, 57 million people had already voted in the U.S. — that's 42 percent of 2016's total turnout, according to ABC News. 

Overall, it's clear that the COVID-19 pandemic and the political energy around this election are major factors in these early voting numbers. But being committed to the country's future is also a draw, and hopefully that energy can help drive progress now and after the results of the election are in. With the country's need for healing being front-and-center, it's so important to build voter engagement into people engagement. That is, the current drive to participate in the vote, can be used to connect more people with one another and build a more unified country as we recover from the health crisis.

That kind of unity starts with small efforts, including talking to those with whom we disagree, in order to build bridges, so to speak. There is currently a great deal of assumption about others, driven by labels. Those labels often shut down any desire to engage in constructive dialogue, because, by nature, labels don't have any room for nuance or adjustment — certainly no room for progress. They are what they are. 

However, we have the choice to either accept labels, or learn something constructive about someone else. We each have the ability to do the latter. If we take that path, we work against polarization, step by step, and we work for the good of all. We build relationships that cumulatively pave the way for progress and greater unity, even after the election. This will take time, but the work of forming these important bonds can begin now, with each of us being willing to forsake labels and work for the greater good. 

— Gareth Henderson

29 million and counting

The American flag waves in the wind at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The ever-rising tide of early votes kept on coming in recent days, hitting a total of 29 million ballots cast across the U.S. by Monday night. Early voting — both in-person and by mail — is now underway in all 50 states. 

That tide is also rising in Vermont, which just set a new record in the number of early or absentee ballots returned prior to Election Day. Vermont has exceeded 110,000 ballots cast, according to the Burlington Free Press, well outpacing the prior mark of over 95,000 early ballots returned in 2016.

"Our hard work preparing for the 2020 General Election during the COVID-19 health crisis has paid off already, as Vermonters have overwhelmingly embraced safe and secure voting options to cast their ballots,” Condos wrote in a statement, quoted in the BFP report.  

Here in Vermont and across the nation, the numerous election workers are to be commended for doing very important work in difficult circumstances amid the pandemic. They are the stewards of the counting process, during perhaps the most pivotal election in this nation's history. However, when it comes to the timing of the results, that will vary, due to different states having different rules around the processing of ballots. And the people know it. Just 50 percent of Americans believe there will be a clear winner of the 2020 race within two days of Election Day, according to the PBS NewsHour on Monday. 

As we near Election Day, it feels like we're moving farther and farther out into uncharted waters, and anxieties around the election seem to run high. However, it's important to remember something else many of us have in common: We want this to work. We want each other's voices to be heard, and we want everyone to stay safe while participating in, or working on, this election process. Those two elements underpin this crucial part of our democracy, and so, we must pull together, remain vigilant and ensure that the voting process remains functional in these coming weeks. It has never been more important to unify and show our support of these efforts. While we’re doing that, there’s always time to let some light shine into this process as well. The love and compassion that unify us are powerful, and, regardless of the situation, we can express those qualities, impart them to others, and dissolve fear.

— Gareth Henderson

Surge of early votes keeps growing

American flags are displayed in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, in the spring. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

With the election just under three weeks away, early voting keeps boosting the national vote total, which could reach historic levels this year.

About 15 million Americans have already cast their ballots for the Nov. 3 election, according to The Washington Post. That's in spite of the many hurdles presented by the pandemic. In Michigan, more than 1 million people — roughly one-fourth of that state's 2016 turnout — have already voted, the Post stated. That same report said surging nationwide numbers could "result in the majority of voters casting ballots before Election Day for the first time in U.S. history."

Texas and Georgia opened early voting this week and saw record-setting crowds right off the bat. High enthusiasm for participating in this election was a clear factor, and some people opted to vote in person to avoid mail delivery delays. Over 20 states will offer early voting in the coming weeks.

Many voters seemed determined to show their strong resolve to vote, noted The Washington Post's Amy Gardner in a video report (scroll down at the link). She said that's true even in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott's order to allow just one ballot drop-box site per county withstood a court challenge. Gardner said a gigantic line of cars showed up to deposit ballots at the lone drop-box site in Harris County, where Houston is located. 

Hopefully, all early voters stay safe as they go to cast their ballots, adhering to public health guidance. At the same time, in-person early voting, for some, represents a way to ensure their vote is counted. As October wares on, more people with that same concern are likely to head out and vote before Election Day. COVID-19 and the 2020 voting process will be the two big issues on many minds. Both factors will loom large as Americans navigate a uniquely changed voting landscape. 

— Gareth Henderson

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 

Staying vigilant for the 2020 vote

The sun shines through recent fall foliage in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

All U.S. citizens must remain vigilant when it comes to factors impacting the voting process in 2020, and recent media reports show the importance of that. Understandably, all eyes are on the issue of ballot delivery, as voting by mail has become essential during the pandemic.

One of those reports came out of New Hampshire, where some local election officials say "absentee ballots and other mail that previously stayed local is now being sent through regional processing centers in Manchester, N.H., or White River Junction, Vt. — resulting in an extra day or more of travel time," according to New Hampshire Public Radio on Wednesday.

NHPR said that shift was due to an apparent U.S. Postal Service policy change which has impacted some of that state's communities and not others. In any event, naturally this sparked great concern, and Deputy Secretary of State Dave Scanlan is looking into it, NHPR reported. 

In response, Stephen Doherty, a regional spokesman for the USPS, told NHPR the Postal Service’s “number one priority between now and Election Day is the secure, on-time delivery of the nation’s Election Mail.”  

That delivery is the subject of a major court case in Wisconsin, according to a PBS NewsHour report. On Thursday, a federal appeals court rejected an effort to allow six additional days for absentee ballots to be counted. The ruling means the ballots would have to be delivered when the polls close on Nov. 3, Election Day. However, the Wisconsin case for the six-day extension is likely to end up at the U.S. Supreme Court, which could set precedent for similar efforts in the future. 

In Vermont, there haven't been any significant challenges to the state's vote-by-mail plans, except for a federal lawsuit, which a judge rejected last month on the grounds that plaintiffs didn’t have standing to file it, according to Vermont Public Radio.

Throughout the summer and fall, Vermont officials have remained confident in the vote-by-mail system. In a recent commentary, Secretary of State Jim Condos pointed out that in the August primary, the majority of votes in the Green Mountains were cast by mail. 

"Voting by mail, early in-person, and in low numbers at the polls on Election Day, was conducted safely and securely," Condos said. (Check out Vermont voting information and deadlines here.)

Indeed, in primary elections here and throughout the country, workers did a tremendous job under challenging circumstances. Obviously, November brings a greater challenge still. A large number of votes by mail are coming in, likely in record numbers. As that process proceeds, we must all remain watchful regarding factors which may impact the election and the honorable work being done by local and state workers to protect the vote. Hopefully, working together, we can help this critical function of democracy continue smoothly. 

— Gareth Henderson 

America’s ongoing vote

The American flag is flown at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Given the great importance of the Nov. 3 election, it’s interesting to be reminded that much of the voting will be over with by then. 

On Monday, the PBS NewsHour noted that about 4 million ballots have already been cast in 22 states. Also, either mail-in or in-person early voting is starting this week in 43 states and Washington, D.C. Does that lessen the impact recent events may have on the vote? Indeed, major stories like the first 2020 presidential debate, or President Donald Trump testing positive for COVID-19, have less of an impact on the election if millions have already cast their ballots. Millions more are projected to take advantage of mail-in or early voting in the coming weeks, as well, the NewsHour reported. 

All this shows how changing times have an impact on how political influences play out during an election. For many decades, October news events leading up to an election had deep influence on the outcome. Today, that impact is somewhat tempered by the voting methods available — and as we all know, just a small number of votes can shift the results. In addition, the fact that a record-breaking number of Americans are voting by mail due to health concerns amid the pandemic adds an important factor. 

All these observations, however, are not to suggest that these impacts are negatives in and of themselves. Obviously, the well-being of voters and election workers is the most important consideration, so the mail-in voting option is absolutely critical to ensure people have the chance to vote during the pandemic. Another more general point is that change will happen over time. It's inevitable, and changes in such broad systems always have ripple effects. 

These interesting goings-on will have different meanings for different people. However, one thing remains the same: Everyone must vote. So, if you haven't mailed your ballot or gone to your polling place to vote early, do it. With an election so important, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure that America makes history in 2020 when it comes to voter participation. Your voice is needed, and every voice counts. 

— Gareth Henderson

Working toward a common goal

The American flag at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

It's undeniable that more unity is needed throughout the country, especially at a time when even one of the bedrocks of our democracy, the voting system, is feeling the strain of politics. Specifically, that refers to the discussions about mail-in voting, which has become an understandable trend amid the pandemic, and a point of contention for some. It is worth noting that Oregon, the first state to go to universal mail-in voting, has experienced a voter-fraud rate of .00001 percent since 2000, according to the PBS NewsHour. 

Unfortunately, the vote is just one of many areas of our democracy which has become increasingly tainted by politics in recent years. That is greatly troubling, given the importance of this November's presidential contest. It is also revealing, because it shows how doubt can be spread quickly online, about a method of voting which has largely been able to avoid fraud issues, as The Washington Post previously reported.

A major issue is that, in a politically charged environment, someone who feels their vote has never counted may still believe this, perhaps more so, if political strife and USPS logistical issues feed into a sense of hopelessness. Still, there are a number of groups working to encourage people to vote, and that should be done for the good of the country. The more people participating in the vote, the better. That has never been more true. 

Voting remains key to the functionality of the nation, and hopefully efforts to assist with that process in 2020 can continue unencumbered, whether it's organizing mail-in voting efforts, polling stations, or related aspects of the process. Many people are committed to making sure that process works, and now is the time to support them in their efforts. As one united people, we can accomplish great things. We still have the heart, and the resolve, to do exactly that.

— Gareth Henderson

Mail-in voting preparations underway

Sun illuminates the countryside along North Bridgewater Road in Bridgewater, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Nine states will be sending out ballots to all voters for the November general election, in an effort to ensure safe voting during the pandemic. 

One of those states is Vermont, and Gov. Phil Scott is confident in the mail-in voting plan, Vermont Public Radio reported. All active registered voters in Vermont will be sent a general election ballot in two weeks. The governor disagreed with some of his fellow Republicans, who have raised concerns about voter fraud.

"I think the mail-in type of approach is new," Scott told VPR Wednesday. "I think it could have been done in a different way. The reality is that's the way it's going to be done in Vermont, and I believe it will be done successfully."  

The Washington Post reported that their analysis of three states with universal mail voting "found a minuscule number of potentially fraudulent ballots in recent elections, undercutting assertions that such practices open the door to rampant fraud."

In that same August report, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey — which is also doing universal mail-in voting in November — emphasized keeping the process safe while maintaining voting access.

“Ensuring that every voter has the ability to securely cast their ballot, while protecting public health, is our paramount concern," Murphy told the Post. "The recent primary election gave us the opportunity to see what worked and where we could make improvements.”  

Massachusetts is doing the same. On Wednesday, Secretary of State William Galvin said the state's mail-in voting effort was a "great success" in the primary, NBC Boston reported Wednesday, but more funding was needed for the November election to go smoothly.

As states move forward with their plans, the concerns surrounding the Postal Service still loom very large. About 20 states have expanded or eased access to mail-in voting for the Nov. 3 election, according to The Washington Post. States and voters have important roles in protecting the integrity of mail-in voting systems, especially in such a crucial election. It will be challenging, but it's a duty that must be done, and now is the time for everyone to work to support these efforts.

— Gareth Henderson

Focusing on the vote

American flags are displayed in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo).

The right to vote forms the bedrock of democracy, and many Americans are worried about hurdles to exercising that right in November’s general election, according to the Pew Research Center.

In the Pew study, nearly half of Americans surveyed in July and August said they anticipate logistical difficulties casting a ballot in this pivotal election. To have that level of concern around the vote in 2020 is troubling; no doubt the worries over the USPS and delivery of mail-in ballots during the pandemic play into that. 

In the coming weeks, these concerns may prompt more people to vote early, in order to ensure their votes are counted and their voices heard. Another virtue of that option: There are typically smaller numbers of people at a time, and in many locations, it should be easy to socially distance. In Vermont, early voting begins on Monday, Sept. 21. 

Additionally, the NBA's plan to use arenas as voting centers has taken shape, and will have a profound impact on voter participation by providing safe venues for in-person voting. Most of the NBA's 30 arenas are now involved, and many are providing for early voting.

Though the Nov. 3 election is just under two months away, there's still time to address logistical hurdles causing concerns among voters. Some of these issues may be addressed on a more local level, and hopefully, even in the weeks remaining, some creative solutions can come to the forefront. 

— Gareth Henderson

Arenas prep to get out the vote

An American flag flies in the breeze on Fourth of July in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

At least 20 National Basketball Association teams have announced plans to turn their arenas into voting centers for the November election, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. 

This development is part of a social justice plan agreed to by the NBA and its players following a recent boycott of postseason play to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Other sports leagues joined the walkout, which gained international attention. Along with the voting centers in arenas, the agreement between the NBA and players includes creating a social justice coalition and new advertising that promotes more civic engagement in elections.

The playoff push continued after the agreement was reached, but the move to comply with the accord was swift, especially considering teams are large organizations. On Wednesday, the Orlando Magic announced their arena, the Amway Center, will be an early voting site, according to The Washington Post. The same report said the Amway Center will host a voter registration event on Sept. 22, and will then be open for early voting for all of Orange County each day from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 to take early ballots.

Having this service set up in Florida alone is a major impact for the Nov. 3 general election, given the Sunshine State's pivotal role in presidential contests. But the national impact is clear when listing the other NBA teams that made similar commitments with their arenas: Brooklyn, Dallas, Houston, Indiana, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers (in two different arenas), Milwaukee, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Utah and Phoenix. The Post reported these other teams planned voting or registration centers even before the boycott: Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington and Sacramento.

An important focus of these plans is creating a safe environment for in-person voting during the pandemic. Fortunately, the NBA has learned a lot about wide-scale sanitation and safety, by creating the "bubble" in Walt Disney World in Orlando, where 22 out of 30 teams landed weeks ago to resume the season under strict health protocols. The NBA can easily share the knowledge it has gained from that experience with its teams as additional arena plans materialize.

This NBA initiative has been inspiring already, due to its broad impact, notably how it can reach a diversity of individuals and, just maybe, welcome people into the voting process who may not have ever trusted that their voice counts. It fits nicely with More Than a Vote, an organization co-founded by NBA superstar Lebron James, which is busy recruiting young poll workers in Black communities to boost access to voting. 

Certainly, these efforts are no easy matter. Making a whole arena safe for voting during a pandemic is challenging, and getting people to participate poses its own hurdles these days. However, with the NBA’s powerful marketing arm behind it, this initiative could increase access to the vote by tens of thousands of people. In a close election, those votes could be the difference.

— Gareth Henderson

Building on progress

History has a way of establishing landmarks of progress, and reminding us to follow them and build on those accomplishments. In recent weeks, that cycle has certainly returned.

Last month, the nation honored the late civil rights leader U.S. Rep. John Lewis. Americans remembered what Lewis and others accomplished through their determination and perseverance — efforts that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a crucial part of the civil rights movement. In honoring Lewis, many acknowledged the progress that’s still needed on race and equality following the killing of George Floyd, which sparked protests across the globe.

Then history was to make another appearance. On Tuesday, the country marked 100 years since women in the U.S. won the right to vote, with the ratification of the 19th amendment. Recent controversies around voting laws in certain states, coupled with this year’s turmoil around the Postal Service and the election, show the need to remain always vigilant and defend the right to vote. No progress won should be taken for granted; it requires advocacy and defense. In fact, as many have noted, the 19th amendment didn’t help everyone, as it never addressed racial barriers to voting. No such legislation would appear until the historic legislation of 1965.

Overall, the year 2020 presents a convergence of need around numerous issues, and new landmarks are being demanded on the issues of race relations and access to the vote. No one of us has the answer alone, but together it is important to keep making our voices heard at this important time in our nation’s history. To make progress, we need to rally our compassion, seek a better understanding of each other, and take united steps forward.

I can think of no better way to conclude, than to share again these inspired words by John Lewis, which reflect a key part of progress:

“When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something.”

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont sees big surge in absentee voting

An American flag flies in the breeze in Woodstock, Vermont, on the Fourth of July. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A big surge in absentee voting may add up to record-breaking participation in Vermont’s primary election set for Tuesday, Aug. 11. 

The state has encouraged people to request absentee ballots, due to health concerns amid the pandemic — and it appears they listened. Already, more Vermonters have voted absentee in this 2020 primary than did so in the 2016 and 2018 primaries combined, by over 24,000 votes, Secretary of State Jim Condos told Vermont Public Radio. 

Aside from the factors of more people being home and the ability to vote remotely, Condos told VPR the contested races in the Democratic, Republican and Progressive primaries are probably driving more interest in the election, as they often do. Of course, several of those races include the highest offices in the state: governor and lieutenant governor. 

Given the great interest in the primary, this could well be a predictor of a large increase in turnout for the Nov. 3 general election. States with earlier primaries also saw a strong surge in absentee voting, such as Tennessee and Michigan, and other states nearing their August primary dates report the same trend. 

Voting officials throughout the country expect to receive many more ballots by mail between now and November. At least 78 percent of all Americans will have the option of voting by mail come fall, according to Fortune. That’s why some U.S. lawmakers are pushing for more funding for the U.S. Postal Service to curb delivery delays during the pandemic. That money is just one part of the ongoing economic stimulus talks in Washington, which many hope can yield a deal on Friday. 

Though the postal service situation is a big concern nationwide, the significant participation in elections throughout the country is encouraging — and no surprise. The people are on the way to choosing who will lead them through one of the most difficult periods their towns, states and country have ever faced. It will take a nation of people to be vigilant amid the challenges of the upcoming months, to make sure progress is made on a host of issues. But that all starts with casting your vote. 

— Gareth Henderson