You feel blindsided when the governors of Texas and Florida announce that due to the ongoing “state of emergency,” they will be unable to hold elections as planned. The explosive protests that occur in response to the suspension of elections are cited by the governors as justification for their actions. Hundreds of court cases are filed. It’s nonsense.
You are grateful your people have prepared for various scenarios. Thousands fly into Texas and Florida to begin setting up the election infrastructure despite the state’s orders. International observers and high-profile right-wing politicians outside of the Trump orbit join. Multiple cities announce they are proceeding with the elections.
The hastily set-up election infrastructure is real. It’s solid. And as the movement says, “it’s extralegal, extra-Constitutional.” You’re reminded of the civil rights movement’s use of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party — a reminder that elections are only as real as we make them.
It’s hard to keep track as rumors fly, houses are raided, governors issue condemnations, and the international community condemns the state of emergency. Three more states are considering joining the national state of emergency — which might break your capacity. But when it’s clear that Democratic cities in these states will report their election results no matter what, the governors back down and agree to hold elections. They claim “our actions ensured the elections were fair.” They order the National Guard “to make sure no riots occur.”