Every vote counts, right? Well…only if they’re counted!

This November, as Election Day approaches, things might look a little different. A large number of citizens will be voting by mail due to the pandemic. During this time, people are also voting early in person. But, this new voting trend is also generating new worries about how accurate the results will be.

Many people are concerned that ballots will get lost in the mail or mixed up somehow. Even if voting in person at a polling area, there appears to be a shortage of poll workers in some states, which others fear will affect the accuracy of what goes on at the polling station itself. Then, there is risk of COVID-19. Not only has this created a shortage of workers—many of whom are in high-risk categories—but it has also created a fear that the lines will be too long, discouraging people to vote.

This leads back to voting by mail, as people think it’s a safer health option. Unfortunately, there are those who are illegally taking advantage of this. In California, for instance, there are cases of double voting, which is a felony. In Wisconsin, some absentee ballots were found in a ditch; nine discarded military ballots were discovered in Pennsylvania; and almost 100 dumped election ballots were discovered in New Jersey. Not all are thought to be intentional fraud; however, authorities are investigating all.

Despite all these negative aspects happening, let’s talk about some pros with voting by mail. Mail-in voting has increased overall voter participation, according to a Stanford study. Mail voting also gives citizens time to go over the issues and look at each candidate more thoroughly. It’s always good to have an increase of voters. Few would argue with that. Each voting jurisdiction is also saving money, as it doesn’t have to pay poll workers. Most would agree that saving money is good, as well.

No system is perfect at first. Some never will be. However, that does not mean that the entire concept needs to be discontinued. It just means that some of the kinks need worked out. Elkhart-East sophomore Ben Rosales shares his take on the voting system: “I think that they are doing a good job with the voting. I have two siblings and a parent who can vote, and they haven’t complained!” But, in terms of his political concerns, he goes on to say, “This election I’m worried about a lot of things: immigration policies, the way they handled the Floyd and Taylor cases, the violence between parties, and so many other things.” Rosales is anxious for the day he can have an actual say in the voting process.

Clearly, though, one doesn’t have to be of age to vote to know his or her stance politically. Jacqueline Rand, also an EHS East sophomore agrees. “I can’t vote, but I think that if you can, it is important that you do. I feel like they are doing a good job as of right now with how voting is happening,” she continues. “What does worry me, though, are the results. I just hope it’s accurate.”

In the end, all there is to do is hope for the best outcome for the country. Hopefully, when it’s all said and done, life can go back to normal sooner than later.