MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We are less than three months from the next election in Tennessee. But the coronavirus outbreak could potentially upset the process and drive down voter turnout. And if the virus lingers longer, the situation could be even worse for the November presidential election. That is why state officials should act now to ensure that voters can cast a ballot – without worrying about contracting COVID-19. And the best way to do that, is to have absentee voting by mail for anyone who wants it.
The problem is, Tennessee is among just a few states that do not permit absentee voting basically with no questions asked. Now, two lawsuits have been filed seeking a court order allowing any voter concerned about the pandemic to vote absentee. The suits are asking the courts to set aside Tennessee’s absentee voting restrictions, and allow medical experts to declare that mass voting in person this year creates a public health problem.
Both Republicans and Democrats are part of the lawsuits. So this is not a partisan matter.
The COVID-19 crisis has upended our lives. We cannot just pretend that voting can be done the same as usual. I encourage Governor Bill Lee, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, and legislative leaders to suspend the absentee rules – at least for this year. Voters should not be forced to choose their ballot or their health, when it’s simple to have both. And that’s my point of view.