Spanberger Statement on President Trump’s Suggestion to Delay November 2020 General Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump suggested delaying the November 2020 general election.

“The President’s suggestion to postpone the upcoming election is a dangerous distraction from the actual challenges we face ahead of November. This statement only undermines confidence in the integrity of voting by mail, which, as a former federal postal inspector, I know can be a safe and secure option for those worried about their health amid the pandemic. Beyond that, the President does not have the constitutional authority to delay the election — it isn’t legal, nor is it possible, as the authority to do so rests with Congress. However, the President does have a responsibility to the American people to safeguard our elections. At a time when a global pandemic continues to surge in communities across the country, we need a national strategy for how we will deal with risks to Americans’ health as they make their voices heard. Additionally, as federal officials indicate that foreign interference is still a major threat to our electoral system, the administration must work with Congress to build our resiliency against malign actors who seek to divide, misinform, and sow chaos.”

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