Think tank estimates $2 billion cost to carry out November election during pandemic

[RandySF]

It would cost the U.S. up to $2 billion to adjust the country's voting processes in ways that would allow November's election to go on, even if the coronavirus pandemic persists, according to a new think tank study.

The cost would come from implementing nationwide changes like universal voting by mail, expanded online voter registration and increased public health safeguards at polling places, the authors at the Brennan Center for Justice estimate.

The analysis comes as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the primary election calendar, with several states opting to postpone their contests weeks, if not months, to slow the spread of the disease.

"There is no question that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a difficult and, in many ways, unprecedented challenge to America’s elections," the analysis says.


https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/19/2020-election-cost-coronavirus-138232

[elleng]

1. 'Proper planning can ensure that the pandemic does not prevent a free and fair election.

To be effective, funding is urgently needed.'>>>

This ASSUMING such adjustments occur, by the Brennan Center for Justice.

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/estimated-costs-covid-19-election-resiliency-measures

Anyone putting money on whether these adjustments occur?

[Bucky]

2. Well, if $1.5 trillion is worth buying 30 minutes of reprieve in a plunging stock market...

...surely maintaining our democracy is worth a coupla bil

[RandySF]

3. +1

[SiliconValley_Dem]

6. EXACTLY

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. That's necessary AND it pumps $2 billion into the economy out of $850 billion stimulus bill

It can be done and Nancy Pelosi should make it a condition.

[roamer65]

5. Just print up enough absentee ballots.

Have people vote by mail.

It will then all be on paper ballots.