Biden cyber official says ‘elections are not over when the polling places close’
The campaign to close down polling places in the US because of coronavirus has been put on hold for now after several senior White House figures intervened to say people should not be forced to vote.
In a tweet, President Donald Trump’s coronavirus envoy, Vice President Mike Pence, wrote: “The coronavirus is real. It is very dangerous and it is time for us all to get back to work. It’s time to get our elections back on track & time to focus on the people of our country.
“We will be ready for the elections to be held and will not rest until the results are announced. We are hopeful that this will not impact voting,” he continued.
A senior Democrat, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, told reporters on Friday that closing polling places would be illegal if conducted during the pandemic in addition to being counter to public safety and health.
Coons, who is an advocate for election security, added the move by senior officials in the White House and the executive branch would “severely undermine” the ability of states to respond.
‘Elections are not over when the polling places close’
“Just because you have closed the polling places today doesn’t mean that you will stay closed for the entirety of the election. We will work with the states to determine when they re-open – but, that re-opening date is going to be a very, very carefully judged date,” Mr Pence said.
“It is time to get back to work. The American people should receive the information they need to vote and we must focus on protecting the American people. This is a very dangerous time. The coronavirus is real. It is very dangerous and it is time for us all to get back to work.”
The campaign to close down polling places in the US because of coronavirus has been placed on hold for now according to a senior Democratic lawmaker.
The campaign to close down polling places in the US because of coronavirus has been put on hold for now. Pictured, US Army National Guard soldiers at the National Guard Armory in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware (centre) said on Friday that closing polling