Super Tuesday

Today is Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 - "Super Tuesday" - on which 16 states and territories (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and American Samoa) hold their presidential primary elections. Because roughly a third of all nominating delegates is at stake, and because the states in play represent a geographic and demographic cross-section of the country, candidates must appeal to a broad range of competing interests ... farmers, miners, tech workers, federal employees, etc.

It's a big deal.

As you read this blog post, I will be working as an Election Officer at my local precinct. In order to become an EO, I had to go through a great deal of training and swear an oath to uphold the law. Because I'm also a Same-Day Registration Specialist*, I had to have extra training above and beyond the normal EO skill set. Finally, all EOs must adhere to the Election Officer Code of Conduct**, shown here - 

When you hear someone screaming about all the fraud and chicanery they claim is preventing their candidate from being elected, ask them whether they have undergone any training in the procedures for managing elections. Ask them if they have sworn an oath to uphold election law. Ask them what experience they have actually working as an election officer that gives them any authority to make their accusations. 

I think we all know what the answer to each question will be.

If you are living in a Super Tuesday state or territory, vote today. Even more important, vote in November. And when you vote, remember that a small army of well-trained, professional people is sworn to make sure your vote is legally cast and accurately counted. And if you can't answer "yes" to the questions I listed above, cast your vote, sit down, and shut up.

Have a good day. Vote - it's your right and your duty.  

More thoughts coming.

Bilbo

* Virginia law provides a process by which persons can register to vote and cast a provisional ballot on election day. The number of people who want to vote on election day, but either haven't registered or have changed their residences since the last election, is large enough that the Office of Elections trains and designates certain EOs as specialists to process their applications.  

** At least we have a Code of Conduct, unlike the Supreme Court.