Illinois Democratic official says primary volunteers quitting amid outbreak

[BeckyDem]

( Crazy to ask people to do this. )

3/16/2020

The executive director of the Illinois Democratic Party said Monday that the party is struggling to gather enough volunteers for Tuesday’s primary election as the coronavirus spreads across the country.

Mary Morrissey called for volunteers who are outside of the population most vulnerable to the virus when speaking with Hill.TV on Monday. She confirmed that the party has seen volunteers drop out because of the virus.

“That is the biggest crisis in terms of the election right now is we need election judges,” she said.

“It’s critical that we have election judges tomorrow,” she added.

https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/487822-illinois-democratic-party-executive-volunteers-drop-out-during-coronavirus

[LovingA2andMI]

1. No one can BLAME THEM

It's a Pandemic and high time to instill VOTE BY MAIL voting, everywhere.

[BeckyDem]

3. Agreed. Imo, this should be re-scheduled. Way too risky.

[msongs]

2. so there's a flood of healthy young low risk people stepping up, right? nt

[BeckyDem]

4. No one is immune.

[elleng]

5. Damn.

Perez should have taken action, imo, helped all the states come up with a approach.

[BeckyDem]

6. Our government has no contingency plan for any disaster.

Mail in ballots should have been instituted long ago. Just think of all the people who would never have to worry about waiting in line, missing work etc. Now people have to risk their health to vote? ugh We are at a new low.

[LovingA2andMI]

10. All of THIS...

[BeckyDem]

12. Thank you.

[Steelrolled]

7. I would call off

Last edited Tue Mar 17, 2020, 01:27 AM - Edit history (1)

Should have been postponed. In any case, turnout will be extremely low.

Edit to fix typo.

[global1]

8. Agreed - I Don't Know Why The Gov Didn't Just Postpone The Election.....

I heard him on the news saying something like if he did that - when would they be able to reschedule it.

Bottom line - I predict - low turnout and a big controversy - all kinds of challenges and protests by those running for office.

Unfortunately - some bad candidates might get elected that wouldn't otherwise if this election would have been normal. All kinds of funny stuff will go on to manipulate the vote.

Where are they going to get the 1000 or so volunteer election judges they need in less then 24 hours.

Many of the polling sites will be run short staffed or they might have to close - if no judges are available.

Chaos!!!!!

[Igel]

9. That's the risk, isn't it?

Low turnout versus high turnout with greater risk of infection.

Another thread basically says, "Ignore the risk, we need the primary." A tacit vote of approval for how Iran's dealt with their population.

[BeckyDem]

11. Ignore the risk and you or someone else could become very ill and or die.

If that is what we are asking people to do we have failed miserably as a government.