Well, Two or three weeks ago I said to my husband we can’t even leave the country for the election, because Americans can’t go anywhere because of our covid numbers. I was talking about leaving America for the possible unrest that might happen here.
My city is relatively safe, but you never know. My sister is in NYC and my parents the suburbs of DC, probably both more risky. My sister told me in early March she wasn’t going outside partly because of infection risk, but also she assumed there would be civil unrest. Now, add the election, even more stress on the situation.
My husband is from Mexico and he says so much of what is happening is third world and I associate rioting in the streets when the presidency changes hands a very third world thing. Rioting and violence very well might happen. I do think the right will be reluctant to set fires if that means anything. There is a lot of social media messaging right now saying BLM should repair their own cities don’t ask for federal money or even local tax money from Republicans. Unless, they can try to blame it on BLM.
The alt-right is being encouraged to “rise up” and they have guns. There are a lot of people out of work, many of whom feel they have nothing to lose, and that is a recipe for reckless behavior.
I HOPE media outlets convey that not being able to declare a winner on election night is not a tragedy. Start conveying it now. I think the electors vote December 15th? Educate and prepare the public. I have been posting things on Facebook about this myself. Apolitical, just dates and facts. Hoping it keeps people calm, but we are up against Trump and others fueling fear, distrust, and I’ll say it again, fear.
I’m worried about it. Especially since we have already proven there are bad actors taking advantage of protests. I think there will definitely be protests.
I will not be out protesting no matter what the result. We don’t need protests to know how the “other” side feels. We already know we are split in the country and each side is terrified.
I don’t think Trump will refuse to leave if he loses. It seems to me he is already setting things up so he remains the leader for the Trumpers even if he loses. He will still have influence.