Democrats Hold Secret Edge If Election Is Too Close to Call

[BlueWavePsych]

If the outcome of this November’s election comes down to fights over counting mail-in ballots and claims of fraud by President Donald Trump, Democrat Joe Biden may have a quiet advantage: The top election officials in many of the key states that could decide the election are Democrats.

Should that happen, it will be up to the secretaries of state to preside over the counting of mail-in votes and certify the final outcomes, a process that could take days or weeks. These relatively anonymous state officials could prove a bulwark for Biden as they cope with what is expected to be an unprecedented surge in mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They will also be on the front lines in countering any claims by Trump or his allies that the election is somehow rigged.

“It will be all hands on deck, but defending election results will definitely start with secretaries of state as the chief election officer,” said Alex Padilla, a Democrat who was elected to serve as California’s secretary of state. “In my mind, it’s definitely good that we have secretaries in swing states committed to strengthening and defending the voting system.”

snip...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-05/democrats-hold-secret-edge-if-election-is-too-close-to-call

Somewhat comforting. Still ... vote in person if you can!

[hlthe2b]

1. Definitely ("somewhat") comforting. I feel like I am holding my breath until January 20, 2021.

This a'hole is literally shortening all our lives. I want my past four years back.

[FM123]

2. In my state of FL, both our Sec of State & Gov are pathetic trumpy sycophants

and being a swing state that carries a hefty 29 electoral votes - we don't have the luxury of having confidence in our Sec of State like some other states do. The good news is that we now have more registered Dems than repubs in FL, so we are going to show up, suit up and fight like we're gonna win this thing!

[lastlib]

8. The ghost of Katherine Harris still haunts Florida.....

It's got me nervous, and I'm from the Midwest, where the spawn of former Sen./AG John As*croft runs our elections.

[Dream Girl]

3. I'm thinking it's better to vote by mail Vs.in person. There will be a paper trail which makes

It more difficult to hack. That’s why Trump is beside himself about it. Vote by mail as soon as you are able!

[Thekaspervote]

4. Good point. Moody Analytics who have called every election correctly since '80 less 16, say it will

Come Down to PA, WI and MI..all have dem govs.

They are calling the race for Biden

https://www.moodysanalytics.com/-/media/article/2020/us-presidential-election-update

[lastlib]

9. We need to donate to Dems in the key states:

https://democraticunderground.com/100214010759 --- for links.

[Lock him up.]

10. Not if Texas turns Blue.

It's a "close" Purple right now!

See my post at: https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=14028610

[Sherman A1]

12. Is not a fair election an advantage?

Prevention of cheating by the GOP a is an advantage to me.

[Progressive dog]

13. No --a fair election is equality,

not an advantage. Anunfair election, weighted to the GOP, would be an advantage. Equality cannoit be an advantage.

[Sherman A1]

15. I disagree

A fair election is an advantage over an unfair election to all who participate.

[Progressive dog]

16. You should look up advantage in a dictionary.

Both sides cannot have an advantage.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advantage

[leftieNanner]

6. "Vote in person..."

As long as you get a paper ballot. Not electronic voting machines!

[BComplex]

7. If you think trump/barr wouldn't send in the national guard to arrest anyone they don't

want counting ballots, you need to think again.

This administration has already shown that they are capable of the most outrageous offenses that have ever been committed in the history of the USA.

It's likely going to be left up to the military to oversee a fair election this year, and right now, they're under the thumb of trump.

After the article in the Atlantic, that might be the only saving grace.

Have I said how worried I am about how far trump/barr will go to keep themselves out of prison?

[cally]

11. Kick

[Greybnk48]

14. Wisconsin has Democrat Doug La Follette!

Smart, tough, honest, and totally cool! He's been through the Koch sponsored Walker Wars, several attacks on him personally, and rabid attacks by teabaggers to eliminate his position in the State! Edit: We have paper ballots, but we use electronic tabulators and have local clerks who have refused to allow them to be inspected in the past. I don't think it will fly this time.

I think we are ok in Wisconsin with him in place, and a Democratic Governor, AG, and Lt. Governor! Our State legislative majority is teabag and dirty, as is our Supreme Court (rigged), but we have what we need for an honest election (I hope).

It will take a while to clean up the Koch scum here.

[dragonlady]

17. Unfortunately, Doug LaFollette does not have authority over voting

The state's body that is in charge of voting is the Wisconsin Election Commission, required by law to have three Democratic members and three Republican members. Wisconsin is probably the only state with this system. If there is a problem with the election they will have to meet and resolve it, of course with appeals to the courts by whatever parties are unhappy about the outcome.