(From Erin: It’s sad when Teen Vogue (linked at bottom along with some mainstream sources like Business Insider and USA Today) has to write an article for kids explaning that, for their safety, schools will be closed on Election Day. But, that’s where we find ourselves. In many states and cities, voting stations are closing. I’ve talked to school administrators, teachers, and my own relatives whose children aren’t going this year because they’ve closed them out of concerns about “potential violence”. Be safe, everyone. XO)
Out of concern this Election Day, many schools across the country are canceling classes and closing rather than have kids in school. Because many schools are polling stations, and this election has so divided our nation, administrators fear that altercations and violence could erupt in the hallways as people cast their votes. In fact, the Associated Press even reports some districts have asked that polling sites be moved from schools altogether.
From the Business Insider article:
“School districts in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and numerous other states, have all opted for students to take the day off rather than share the building with voters, according to USA Today.
The news comes the same day as a USA Today/Suffolk University poll shows more than half of Americans are concerned about the possibility of Election Day violence.”
While some mainstream sources point fingers at one candidate in particular (the one who questioned whether the election might be rigged) others are just worried in general; many fear there could be a revolt.
In the US, schools and churches are popular polling sites because they are centrally located and have ample parking available. However, this election has highlighted the fact that this practice may no longer be a good idea. And we’d have to agree.
Stay safe today everyone.
