Finally! Election Day is here. The voters are out there telling us how they want the country to move forward.
We will NOT have a Friday Defend Democracy Honk & Wave in South Hero this week. We need to let the dust settle from the election and see how the political landscape has changed. We plan to start them again the next week, at an earlier time, due to it getting dark so early now. Stay tuned for updates. But NO H&W this week.
So far, our Poll Observers have reported that it is all quiet. No incidents. Several vehicles with government plates were observed traveling south on Rt 2 through the Islands earlier. They do not seem to have stopped, but were just passing through.
I am hopeful that all of the publicity and the efforts in place to guarantee a smooth election have forced the Administration to give up any plans to have ICE or troops at the polls, and have thwarted any attempts to seize ballots or otherwise disrupt voting. Not just in Vermont, but across the country. After the election, they will still try to contest races and prevent the certification of results in some states, but they will fail. I am growing more confident about that every day. So, what else might they do instead? Don’t know. But on guard.
RESULTS:
We will probably know the results of a few races late tonight. But most will take more time to come in. If Alaska is close, it could take 3 weeks. CA always takes ages. Maine is slow. TX, KY, OH, VT tend to be pretty quick.
So, although control of the Senate could be a nail-biter for days, we should still have an idea of which way the wind is blowing by tomorrow morning.
A Blue sunami?
A stronger than expected GOP turn-out?
Just too close to tell?
However the election goes, we can be proud of one thing. We have reminded the American voter that democracy is not a spectator sport. Their participation is required. Their vote really does matter. And The People have the power.
We are going to have an all-member gathering on Sunday to examine the results of the election, talk about what it means, and discuss what comes next. And, hopefully, CELEBRATE!!
Plan to be at Snow Farm Vineyard, Sunday, November 8, from 3:00 to 4::30. If you were a Poll Observer, or are a regular at the Friday Defend Democracy protests, or are one of our Postcard Warriors, or just a member who reads the emails, please do come. This has been an incredibly stressful time for all of us. We need to gather and share ideas, fears, hopes, and plans.
It can be hard to find a space where it is “safe” to talk politics. This will be it! And, frankly, we deserve a party!
Have a safe Election Day.
Cheers,
Marilyn Lagrow
“Of the People, By the People, For the People”
Indivisible Champlain Islands