WASHINGTON (AP) – The slow pace of this year’s U.S. election count is fueling a lot of criticism, but it’s mostly a reflection of laudable things: greater voter enthusiasm and steps that states took to protect their residents from COVID-19.
THE ENTHUSIASM FACTOR
Even though the count is not yet complete, President Donald Trump has easily surpassed the number of votes he got four years ago: more than 70 million so far, versus about 63 million in his victorious 2016 run. Meanwhile, Democrat Joe Biden has gained some 73.9 million votes, versus the 65.9 that Hillary Clinton got.
All in all, some 15 million more voters participated in this year’s presidential election than in the one four years ago. Congratulations, Americans.
THE PANDEMIC FACTOR