This year marks an unprecedented time, full of surprises, confounds and historical events. And as much of a ride 2020 has been, an election year tops it off. As eager as we are to receive results that will solidify our future, we must be patient and know these ballots take time.
In Latah county alone, 20,880 ballots have been counted, estimating to roughly 82% of registered voters, according to Idaho Live Voter Turnout’s website.
Voters had the option to cast their ballots via mail, sending absentee ballots or dropping them off at the polls.
However, these absentee ballots complicate vote tallies, using different counting methods than in-person voting. As a flood of mail ballots arrive, they are sorted by hand versus an instant scanner, and cannot be tallied until election day. The New York Times predicts ballots will be processed, stretching into Wednesday and Thursday. Absentee ballots have always been accessible, but they have become a popular voting option during the pandemic nationwide. Voters who may not feel comfortable voting in-person can send their ballots in with less risk of contracting the virus.
Voting by mail may also be perceived as controversial, and President Donald Trump has touted election fraud as results remain undetermined. The election isn’t over yet and can’t be called because absentee ballots make a huge difference in results. Compared to Nov. 3 counted ballots, 7,331 ballots were tallied, according to Latah County Clerk, Auditor and Recorder Henrianna Westburg, compared to the day of. Though dispute about the election remains up in the air, we must remember to keep other things on our radar, like local policies.
We are all anticipating results of who will be the next president, but local policies are just as important.
Local policies may seem small compared to all that is happening, but it can change how taxes are directed to different funding, who represents our county and support of small businesses that make up Moscow’s economy. The way our county is run is essential and determined by the voter’s voices.
As people of the Palouse, it is fundamental to watch local results and turnouts. We need to keep our focus local not only as people of Latah County but as people of Idaho. Voter turnout has surprised the nation and the energy should be kept throughout future elections. According to Voice of America, the record voter turnout was expected among millennial and generation z voters.
We’ve all seen ads to go vote, and it doesn’t stop at only the presidential election. Now is not the time to take a break and vote in four years. It isn’t a one-time thing. Being active locally is the best way to share how we feel our county should be ran and to be confident in our state’s abilities.
-Editorial Board