Election 2020

A Syracuse University Law School Professor says President Elect Joe Biden won’t have a problem catching up three weeks after the election because his team has been preparing all along.  William Banks says Biden’s planning began when he clinched the democratic nomination last summer.

A Utica-based pollster says the close results of the presidential election illustrate the inaccuracies of polls which had predicted a larger margin of victory for Joe Biden. John Zogby told a virtual audience at Syracuse University’s Thursday Morning Roundtable that a heavy reliance on outmoded telephone polling led to poor sampling and low response rates.

Congressmember John Katko says President Trump needs to “move on” from his claims of fraud in the absentee ballot count unless he can produce evidence to back up those claims.  The president unspooled numerous unfounded conspiracies and incorrect information last night as Joe Biden gained more votes in key states. 

Syracuse University law professors are considering what legal issues might arise in the aftermath of Tuesday’s presidential election results and the ongoing ballot count.  The tighter outcome almost guarantees litigation from either side, which is distressing to associate professor Jenny Breen.

Race relations became a top issue on the minds of many around Central New York with local protests after the killing of George Floyd and police treatment of people of color.  In WAER’s Your Election Blueprint project, it was among the top interests of people heading into the election.  

“I'm like scared of here," said Deneka Delee.  "I have to watch my back and I wish all the shooting and and all this (stuff) has to stop. We have kids.”

You don't have to listen hard to hear their voices; You don't have to look hard to see their struggle

Most of the attention this election season has been focused on the Presidential campaign, but there are also a significant number of New York State Senate races in play. Democrats need just two more seats to gain a super majority that could potentially override any vetoes of legislation issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

 Onondaga County’s Election Commissioners say they were thrilled to be caught off guard yesterday when droves of people turned up for a third day of early voting. Republican Election Commissioner Michelle Sardo jokes how this year’s turnout is already unlike any other.

Early voting starts Saturday in Onondaga County, but the six locations across 800 square miles could post challenges for those who don’t have transportation and still want to avoid potentially long lines on election day. 

The young people who were a big part of this summer’s social movements, marches and protests could also play a key role in the upcoming election.  November’s election could face a shortage of poll workers. About 58% of people who worked past elections are over age 60 according to the Pew Research Center, a group most vulnerable to coronavirus and some are expected to stay away. 

The lack of large events for Central New York’s congressional candidates to meet potential voters face to face means they’re having to rely more heavily on other means to make their case.  Of course, there are virtual gatherings and smaller press events.  But campaigns are now relying instead on more political advertising.