In what is already a highly unconventional election year…

 From the New York Times.

Early Voting Is Beginning in These States. Here’s What to Know.

And, meanwhile, from the Associated Press,

Election officials warn that widespread problems with the US mail system could disrupt voting

(And where have we heard that before?)

Mail-in balloting has been around for a long time, especially for Americans overseas, and absentee balloting as well, under different conditions in various states. But all of that was normally in such small numbers that it didn't much affect the outcome of the vote. All of that changed dramatically (I'm not telling you something you don't already know, am I?) in the COVID election of 2020. And, seemingly, it's here to stay.

A lot of people have already, unshakably, made up their minds, no doubt. And a lot of people haven't even started to do that yet. And, especially this year, a lot could change between now and Election Day in November. And all that bodes for a contentious ending here. 

Some of the responsibility for avoiding an ambiguous ending will lie with the press, and how it reports the voting and the counting.

Full disclosure: Personally, I prefer to vote in person on Election Day because I see it as a ritual of community. But I agree there are plenty of valid reasons for voting other places, at other times.

Every citizen should have a fair opportunity to vote and should exercise it.