As I am writing this column, our American neighbours are entering the home stretch of an election like no other in their history.
This election has been watched closely across the world, with a particular focus on the presidential race and the stark contrast between the two men vying for the post. Voter turnout is expected to be very high, and more people have chosen to vote before election day - whether in person or by mail - than in any previous election.
While it is clear that Americans are very engaged in this election campaign, the outcome may represent a much murkier picture with the potential for civil unrest in the country.
I hope that the results of the election reflect a clear win for one candidate or the other and that Americans can settle into the direction their country will be taking in the next four years.
This may not be the case, however, because of COVID-19, which led to millions of Americans voting by mail. In some states, all the votes may not yet be counted. President Trump has alleged - despite no evidence to support his claims - there will be widespread voting fraud around mail-in votes and close races where the election day results may change once all mail-in votes are counted, creating a situation in which the outcome may be contested through the court system. That the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court - which may be called upon to decide this election - was just appointed through a rushed process in the middle of the campaign will likely add fuel to the fire.
What is even more concerning is the real chance that this election will lead to rioting and violence, and there may be armed conflict between supporters of both presidential contenders. I sincerely hope I'm being an alarmist, and nothing like this will occur. However, armed militias recently invaded the Michigan legislature and some of the same people were arrested for plotting to overthrow the Michigan governor based on their objection to COVID-19 restrictions.
With the heightened rhetoric around the election that fosters the belief that election fraud is happening, it isn't too much of a stretch to envision supporters of whoever loses to take up arms.
If this election is still in dispute, many Americans will be forced to closely examine what democracy means to them and whether it's working the way it was intended. This will not be an easy process, and it might be helpful to keep in mind that Remembrance Day - or Veteran's Day in America - is a week away. The men and women recognized on this day fought and died in defense of democratic rights. It would be disheartening if Americans were to turn on one another and destroy from within these freedoms and rights. It's critical that how the American people vote be respected and that there is a peaceful transfer of power or maintenance of the present power based on the results.
While we don't have the same level of concern in Canada, we, too, need to be vigilant against any threats to our democratic institutions and be aware of the divisions within our society. A look at the political map in Canada reveals there are areas of the country that are split across political lines, and the rift has been growing in recent years. A healthy, functioning democracy is a work in progress, not a given fact.
I am thankful this Remembrance Day that we've been given the right to work to maintain or, if necessary, vote to change how our democracy works. I hope our American friends can find a way to come together to heal the rifts within their democracy this election has brought into the light.
Brian Hodder works in the field of mental health and addictions. He can be reached at [email protected].
