Final Days
Election Day Is Almost Here
[I had this strange dream that Donald Trump was running for president!]
Today is the last day of early voting in New York.
The election people will then get a day off to prep for Election Day. I will be manning a table from 6 A.M.-9 P.M. (two breaks) on Election Day. The conservatives had a rally of sorts nearby yesterday. There is a Conservative Party office around here.
(This sort of thing is atypical. Likewise, a lawn sign outside of a house is rare.)
The main coverage I have seen on the blogs and substacks that I frequent are (understandably) focused on Harris v. Trump. Media accounts often appear to focus on the presidential races. Yes, these sources also cover congressional races.
Still, I wish more attention was given to congressional races. Not allowing Mike Johnson to head the House while the electoral ballots are counted (which occurs with the new Congress in January) is important. A Republican Senate handcuffing President Harris (knock on wood) would be tough.
The objectively reasonable person (I know) would determine that Trump is patently unfit. The House Republicans have been something of a shitshow. Senate Republicans are marginally sane in comparison but they have been Trump-enabling trolls too.
I know. Our country has many problems. These people are or were in power recently. Still. Likewise, the Electoral College is outdated. A basic problem is that millions of people in U.S. territories, citizens all, cannot vote for president. How is this a thing?
Another important thing on the ballot — and this has received some coverage — are state ballot measures protecting abortion rights. A Democratic trifecta in the federal government (president and both houses) also can lead to national legislation.
Again, how is it in 2024 that basic rights are denied? It’s patently ridiculous as well as cruel and unjust. We have a ways to go even if the good chance (my knuckles are sore from knocking on wood) of electing a biracial woman for president is upon us.
47 (48 if you could Grover Cleveland twice) tries to elect a woman? Seems a bit much.
New York specifically has local races, a statewide equality ballot measure, some ill-advised city ballot measures, and the usual laughable judicial “picks.”
Happy Birthday, Michael Dukakis!
P.S. Daylight Saving Time is stupid, isn’t it?
After 2020, I know Election Day will likely not be the final day. It's a big day, though.
ETA: Also, Election Day is a state holiday.