As we gather for Halloween, a scary scenario has been presented to us by Superstorm Sandy: a delayed election.
What would that mean for America? What would that mean for our coverage?
A number of leaders in several states have begun mulling the idea of a postponement to next week’s US presidential election. Lawyers have begun looking at possible implications as voters remain in areas without power, whilst have some people have been evacuated altogether.
A 2004 Congressional Research Service report states there is no constitutional instruction or federal law on the concept of postponing a federal election. In the past, judicial branches have let Congress be responsible for setting election procedures, but now may be a time for the executive to exert presidential emergency power.
The report goes on to say – theoretically – the president could use his or her emergency power to delay an election if “attacks, disruptions and destructions are so severe” that they disrupt a state’s ability to conduct an election at those sites.
Well, campaigns are already beginning to start again but there is still plenty of damage left to clean up.
A number of people have pointed out to me that New York wasn’t the only place to be affected by the Superstorm. They’re right. The original Hurricane Sandy had already killed 69 people in the Caribbean, with many islands ravaged by the storm.
An estimated $16.5m (£10.3m) worth of damage happened in Jamaica whilst 70% of crops were destroyed in southern Haiti.
Our thoughts and concerns go out to all involved and particularly those who are trying to rebuild.
Superstorm Sandy has remained a focal point of our coverage over the past few days, as we’ve been reporting on the tragic number of deaths that have occurred in New York City, the suspension of election campaigns and the effects of one of the biggest storms to hit America in recent history.
With less than a week to go to Election Day, both President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney are on the home stretch. This week is pivotal, not only for them but also for our team of reporters covering the event as well.
We’re continually working hard to have a number of captivating TV features ready for your viewing on Election Night, including packages on the economy, political system and same sex marriage. It’s a long process but I’m sure there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
We are having discussions with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and are expecting to receive content from as far as Venezuela over the next few days. It’s an exciting time and I feel like we’re making progress.
Our website had over 1,000 views on the first day and we’re continuing to nit-pick over the site to make it a better experience for you.
Whether or not the election is delayed remains to be seen, but whatever happens, we will be there every step of the way providing you the latest up-to-date coverage.
Once again, we encourage you to be a part of our encourage, so please do so.
Oscar