Op-Ed From State Board of Elections Members on Voting and COVID-19 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    If our world is an ant mound, this novel coronavirus was a boot that stepped on us all.

    But after an initial burst of confusion, ant colonies rebuild. Here in North Carolina, so must we. A key component of rebuilding is making sure our democracy functions. At the State Board of Elections, we are laser-focused on making sure you can exercise your right to vote, no matter what challenges COVID-19 will bring.

    This unusual moment presents us with a unique opportunity. In our polarized times, it can be a challenge for people from diverse political persuasions to work together to improve our democracy. The uncertainty around how to best conduct a vote in the middle of the pandemic can be an opportunity if we let it. Policymakers, if they have the courage, can see beyond the typical partisan expediency that accompanies election law changes. Sure, it is natural for elected officials to consider the effect changes to the election process will have to their own benefit or detriment. But in times like these, such narrow self-interest is of little value.

    The demands of coping with coronavirus have scrambled our ability to predict how voters will behave. While partisans typically can forecast how changes to election procedure will help or hurt their cause, this unprecedented moment has rendered such forecasts irrelevant. This uncertainty can free policymakers from short-term partisan concerns and let all of us focus on making democracy work. At a time when so few citizens believe that our democracy is functional, we have a chance to prove, even in the midst of societal upheaval, we are still governed of, for, and by the people.

    Across this country, Republican and Democratic Governors, Secretaries of State, and governing boards like the State Board of Elections are all grappling with this crisis and are evaluating and contemplating changes to keep voters, poll workers, and election officials safe. In North Carolina, we are going to do everything within our power to make sure voters of all political persuasions have every opportunity to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.

    The State Board of Elections' Executive Director offered the legislature a set of recommendations entirely focused on overcoming the challenges Covid-19 has created. These recommendations include:

• Giving county boards flexibility in areas like poll-worker assignment and early voting;
• Making it easier to securely request and cast votes by mail;
• Providing modest matching funds to access federal election dollars.

    No one wished for this pandemic. I sincerely hope that North Carolina and the United States can be past this crisis before the fall elections, but it is imperative that we are prepared in the event we are not. There will be plenty of time when it is all over to reengage in our partisan battles about election policy. Right now, we all need to work together. The coronavirus has given us a chance to live up to our democratic values. I hope we take it.

    Damon Circosta, Raleigh     David C. Black, Concord

    Damon Circosta, a Democrat, and David Black, a Republican, serve on the NC State Board of Elections.