25 March 2020 — 2143 mdt
Updated 27 March 2020
Gov. Bullock green lights counties to hold
all mail ballot elections — that’s not good enough!
Gov. Steve Bullock today gave Montana’s 56 counties a green light to conduct all elections by mail ballot. KXLH news in Helena has the story, which is based on a press release issued by the governor. The press release summarized the governor’s four-page directive.
Reading between the lines, the story suggests that Bullock cut a deal with Montana’s Republicans, who have been resisting switching to a mail ballot for the duration of the emergency.
“I am in full support of Governor Bullock’s Directive of providing counties the option to conduct our June 2 primary by mail,” said Speaker Greg Hertz. “This Directive allows counties to choose what is best for their voters and election staff during this state of emergency.”
Conspicuously missing from the press release is a supporting statement from Scott Sales, President of the Montana Senate and a candidate for Montana Secretary of State.
This compromise is a flashing red warning of the danger of decentralized decision making, especially when left to county level officials, who can be depressingly provincial and all too easily influenced by local economic interests that would subordinate public health considerations to the exigencies of making a buck.
Flathead County’s commissioners, for example, appointed to the local board of health an anti-vaccination physician who voted against a state of emergency for the Flathead, contending that the Covid-19 coronavirus was no worse than the common flu.
An hour ago, I published on Twitter my response to Gov Bullock:
Some may consider this progress. Perhaps it is. But it’s weak stuff, and not enough.
We need strong central leadership, not county level chaos.
Here’s what must be done:
- All polls closed for the duration of the emergency. Thinking that enforcing social distancing at a poll will prevent the transmission of the virus is a snare and a delusion, and a risk that need not be taken because a viable alternative is available.
- Send mail ballots and postage paid return envelopes to all registered voters.
Update. Bullock's directive provides that "Counties that opt in must include a prominent notice with instructions sent to voters with mail ballots that a postage stamp is not necessary to return the ballot by mail." - Accept ballots postmarked on election day.
- Do not enlarge the early voting window. At 30 days, it’s already too wide. Fourteen days would be better.
If Gov. Bullock does not believe he has the authority to require a polls closed, all mail ballot, postage paid return envelope, election, he must call the legislature into emergency session to approve legislation giving him that authority.
The legislature can maintain social distancing by spreading out on a football field and holding up big white cards for a roll call vote.
I’ve voted in person on election day starting in 1968. Now I will vote by mail, or vote not at all. I’m out of postage stamps and will not take the risk of going somewhere to buy them.
After the emergency is over, Montana can go back to having the polls open on election day.