The Coronavirus’s Real and Immediate Threat to Democracy
How do you carry out a vote during a pandemic?
Britain has so far avoided imposing the most extreme measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Unlike Italy, for example, it is not under lockdown. Schools and universities remain open. Public transit is still running (albeit with an enhanced cleaning regimen).
And for now, officially at least, the country’s upcoming local elections—including London’s mayoral contest—are still scheduled to go ahead on May 7. Though possibly not for much longer: The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has that the elections be postponed until the fall, citing concerns about voters’ ability to participate safely. Although postal voting
