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, First, I want to say thank you. I know this election season has often been exhausting and overwhelming – mentally, emotionally, even physically. So many of us have put in long hours working and volunteering to ensure that everyone could exercise their right to cast their vote. Tonight, in addition to the anxiety inherent to such an important election, I know many of us are feeling something even more basic: fatigue. My colleagues at the SPLC and I can certainly relate to that. But I want to take a moment to share that this election season has also been a source of energy and inspiration for us. We have seen the enormous dedication of millions of people across the country, braving the unprecedented challenges presented by this election. Even in the midst of a devastating pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 of our loved ones, so many Americans have demonstrated their commitment to participating in a free and fair election. Despite attempts in some areas to make the process needlessly difficult – whether through daylong lines at polling places, efforts to eliminate ballot drop boxes or legal challenges to legitimately cast votes – we have turned out to vote in record-breaking numbers, by mail, through early voting or in person on Election Day. I want to thank each and every one of you for all you’ve done – no matter how big or small your actions may seem to you personally – to help create a national culture that is deeply committed to our democracy. We should never take our rights for granted. Now, our attention must turn to another important fight: making sure every vote is fairly counted. Decision desks for media outlets may not be able to project a winner tonight; it may take days for us to know the final results as local election officials complete the counting of ballots, including a record number of absentee ballots. But it is vitally important that our leaders are patient and respect our country’s electoral process. We are confident in that process. Election officials have been preparing for this contest for years, and independent election experts have validated the policies and procedures – including vote by mail and early voting – that were approved for this election. Moreover, this is not the first time the United States has conducted an election – and, when called for, overseen a peaceful transition of power – during a time of great crisis. We held successful presidential elections amid the Civil War, the Great Depression and both World Wars. The difficulties of 2020 are not so great that they can be allowed to overturn two centuries’ worth of precedent. The will of the voters must be followed – and the SPLC will be doing our part to make sure of it. The basis of American democracy is that we pick our leaders – our leaders do not pick their voters. Now, with the election (almost) behind us, it’s time we come together and tackle the very real issues our country faces, from the still-spreading COVID-19 pandemic to longstanding issues related to health care, economic justice, racial justice and civil rights. Our position is simple: Count every vote. Honor the will of the people. And make sure that if a transition of power is approved by the voters, it proceeds smoothly and peacefully come January. If you, like many of us, are feeling election fatigue tonight, I hope you are able to find some time to rest and recharge in the coming days. Because this is only one step in a longer journey – and we need you ready to join us in all the work that remains to be done. With gratitude, Margaret Huang |
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