Editorial

Fears unfounded on first day of voting

Posted 10/29/20

The first day of voting drew a large number of voters to Montgomery’s Senior Citizen Center, Saturday, and thankfully nothing more.

There were fears of gun violence and voter suppression …

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Editorial

Fears unfounded on first day of voting

Posted

The first day of voting drew a large number of voters to Montgomery’s Senior Citizen Center, Saturday, and thankfully nothing more.

There were fears of gun violence and voter suppression Friday, when it was learned that a rally by the right-wing American Patriot Council had been scheduled for Veterans Park in the village on that same Saturday as the first day of early voting, and within a short distance of the polling place. The APC described itself as a movement dedicated to “restore and sustain a constitutional government in the United States.”

The APC had advocated for the arrest of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- later the target of a kidnapping attempt -- and other governors after they shut down their states to protect against the spread of COVID-19. In recent months, it has held rallies “to encourage armed patriots to unite as a well regulated militia to preserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Several groups, including the Town of Montgomery and Orange County Democratic Committee and the Valley Central Parents for Social Justice voiced concern about the presence of a militia-type organization outside a polling station and urged that the rally be moved or canceled.

The fears of all concerned proved to be unfounded, thanks in part to Town of Montgomery Supervisor Brian Maher who arranged to have the rally moved to Benedict Park, located a few miles outside the village. Village of Montgomery Police agreed to standby outside the Senior Center to re-direct anyone who showed up for the rally.

And the rally, despite the worst fears, proved to be nothing more than a glorified pro-Trump picnic. There were speeches, but no guns at Benedict Park.

We suspect that most people on all sides of the aisle are now tired of this long and - at times - bizarre political campaign and are actually looking forward to next week when the worst part of the worst year in recent memory will be behind us. When it comes to this political campaign, there’s really nothing more to say or do. It’s now time to vote.

Please exercise that right. We’ve all earned it.