If you thought the 2020 election went like a fine-oiled machine, you’ll love what the Democrats are planning to do next. The Senate and House of Representatives have reserved their first bills, HR1 and S.1, for voting changes that would make the postal vote appear buttoned up in a plague year. We went through some details alreadybut it’s worth another word as the house prepares to vote this week.
Proponents present the legislation as a reform of good government that does not favor either party. But HR1 is jam-packed with provisions that would federalize the electoral rules to dubious results. longstanding practices unsettle; End security measures that local officials believe are prudent; undermine public confidence; and increase the chances of the controversial outcomes.
Start with permanent pandemic rules. HR1 would create a federal right to absentee voting without the need for an apology. Registered voters could not be induced to submit “any form of identification required to obtain a postal vote” other than a signature or “confirmation”. State laws requiring postal votes to be notarized or signed by witnesses would be trumped. Ballot papers arriving late, if stamped in good time, are valid nationwide for 10 days after the election day.
In other words, the bill would further consolidate last year’s emergency attempt Turn election day into electoral district. HR1 would give Americans endless opportunities to relive the fun in New York’s 22nd Congressional District, which had no winner for 97 days. Of the 10,097 late-year ballots in Pennsylvania last year alarming 6.6% had no legible postmark. A Senate seat outside of Pittsburgh turned on whether or not postal ballot papers should be counted that voters have so far neglected. One county counted them. The county next door didn’t. What if the White House was in abeyance?
HR1 would override state laws against ballot harvesting and allow Americans across the country to “nominate anyone” to cast a vote, provided the carrier “does not receive compensation based on the number of ballots.” . In addition, states must “not impose a limit on the number of postal ballot papers posted and sealed that a given person can return.” Yes, paid partisans could go door to door and garner thousands of votes as long as they are billed by the hour.
