Biden Wins NorCo!

Biden and Harris received 83,163 votes, 30,753 in person and 52,410 by mail or drop-off. Trump and Pence have 82,416 votes. This is 63,666 in person and 18,750 by mail or drop-off. You can follow results here. This is a reversal of the results four years ago, when Trump eked out a small victory. 

The win in this battleground county portends a victory in a battleground state that should hand Biden the keys to the White House. 

I do not believe that the counting of mail-in ballots is complete in Lehigh County.

Biden Clings to Slight Lead in NorCo

I'm reluctant to report much about the Biden-Trump race in swing state Pa. because (1) I'm exhausted after a day at the polls and (2) each county is reporting differently. Some countires are only reporting the in-person totals, which give Trump an artificially high margin. Others, like NorCo, seem to have most mail-in ballots tallied, leading to a much closer race. As of about 10 pm, with 87 of 154 precuincts tallied, Biden is holding onto a 42,499 to 40,755 lead. Biden has trounced Trump with MIBs, 25,280 to 7,577. But Trump has clobbered Biden with in-person voting, 33,178 to 17,219. Sccording to the Department of State, Trump has a substantial lead, buit this is withjout many votes from Philly and Allegeheny. That picture should be much clearer today.

Harris Rally Highlights

In case you're wondering, I was front and center at the Kamala Harris rally, close enough to kiss her. I have no credentials, but was able to lie my way in as a member of the press. I even got special parking for my grandson's aunt and myself right next to Bo Koldcock. I claimed she was press, too. How did I do this? I'm Irish.

Now if you want to know what she said, just read some of the summaries of her stump speeches over the past two weeks. I was there for other reasons. 

First, there was a great deal of enthusiasm among Biden-Harris supporters. The place was packed, and cars were actually turned away. Most of them stayed in their cars, which is how people like myself were able to get so close.

Second, the Trumpists I saw were honking and hollering at a respectful distance, and made no real attempt to disrupt the event. They were exercising their First Amendment rights. True, one of them was exercising it with a train horn, but you'll have this.

Third, Congressperson Susan Wild was by far the worst speaker. She's short, so much so that the podium made it impossible to see much more than the top of her head. That's certainly no fault of hers, but she droned on forever and ever. One  of the points she made is that it is vital for us all to vote straight Democrat, up and down the ballot. And then, right after her speech, she endorsed a write-in candidate running against the Democratic nominee to a state house seat. Can you say hypocrite?

Fourth, NorCo Exec Lamont McClure was actually the best speaker. He jogged to the podium and energized the crowd. I've grown used to listening to him, but this assessment came from my grandson's aunt. She really liked him, but then again, she likes me.

Fifth, Senator Bob Casey was mercifully brief when he spoke. After he was done he took up a spot a few feet away and he and I were able to talk a few minutes. Talking to him is like talking to an old friend. He is very much down to earth. 

Sixth, some lady from Northampton Community College was the final speaker, and she droned on, in Spanish, for several days. Then she decided to translate everything into English.  By this time, several people were carted away with hypothermia.

Seventh, the real assholes of this event were State Rep wannabe Enid Santiago and her crew. She insisted on posing in front of Harris as  Harris spoke. One of her handlers, former Ftn Hill Mayor Jose Rosado, barged in front of others and took pics. Then Jose and her daughter did the same thing along with some dude who refused to put on a mask. They were not there to promote Harris. They were there to promote themselves. They were disrespectful, both to Harris and those who came to see Harris.

Finally, I have to point out that there were cops there from everywhere. Allentown, Bethlehem, Colonial Regional, State Police, Secret Service, NorCo and Lehigh County Sheriffs, along with bomb sniffing dogs. Yet somehow, I got through.  

Voting In Person Today

Today, the polls will be open from 7 am until 8 pm. So long as you are in line when the polls close at 8 pm, you will be permitted to vote. 

To find out where you vote, just click here.

As a voter, you have the right to refuse to wear a mask. All pollworkers will be masked. There will be hand sanitizer available, and an effort will be made the clean the XL voting machine after each voter. 

Active electioneering is prohibited inside the polling place. Voters (not poll workers or poll watchers) may engage in passive electioneering, like wearing a MAGA hat or a Biden sweatshirt. 

Pollworkers must be strictly impartial. Our sole goal is to ensure that every person who is entitled to vote gets that right. 

Because of CDC guidelines and the Election Code, we will try to limit the number of people inside the polling precinct. I usually get people angry at me when I insist they leave after voting. I apologize. I am a political junkie, but not during an election. Also, experience has taught me that a group of voters who chat after voting will eventually turn to politics. Finally, we are trying to limit your exposure.  

If you received a ballot but have decided to vote in person, please bring your ballot, secrecy envelope and the exterior envelope that was sent to you. We will mark it spoiled and permit you to vote on the machine. If you are unable to locate it, you can go to the elections office and request another. But I'd suggest that you go to your precinct and tell the pollworkers what happened.While you will NOT be able to vote on the machine, you WILL be able to vote provisionally. Once it is determined that your mail-in ballot was never received, your provisional ballot will count. 

Any problems? Anything to report? Please note in the comments.

Freedom Swimmer Luke McClure Attends Harris GOTV Rally

Freedom swimming standout Luke McClure attended today's rally for future VP Kamala Harris. He was asked to deliver a speech, but instead swam across the lake to the oohs and ahhs of the audience. In fact, several Trump supporters dropped their signs and bullhorns in amazement. Luke's assistant, Lamont McClure, brought a few towels.   

GOP Plans To Crash Harris Rally

This fellow was one of many Trump enthusiasts. 
Friendly enough, 

This text message is being sent out by our friends in the GOP. I have no idea if it is accurate.  

So can we:

Spread the word:

Join Grassroots Women for Trump, Lehigh County Republican Women's Club, Northampton County Republican Women, and other groups  to show Kamala Harris that Pennsylvania Is Trump County!

Today Monday 11/2 Kamala Harris will be hosting a rally at Dutch Springs at 4733 Hanoverville Road, PA 18020.

There will be multiple Trump groups out showing support for the President.

At 12:15 PM please show support by bringing out Trump Flags and driving past the venue,

Location: Dutch Springs at 4733 Hanoverville Road, PA 18020.

Time: Anytime after 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM

Let's see how many supporters she attracts today...

it's a beautiful, sunny, Pennsylvania autumn day, so

NO EXCUSES, KAMALA!

Trump supporters made no attempt to enter Dutch Springs. They could not be heard inside.  

Make Your Last Minute Pitches Here

Feel free to make your last minute pitches for the candidate of your choice here, whether for President or any of the other offices. I will take your comments and post them right here.  

Updated 9:38 PM: I posted nearly every comment offered. I am knocking off early tonight and will be unable to pay much attention to the blog tomorrow. I will check in as time permits but will be unable to upload your last minute pitches on the post. You can still make them in the comments.

_______________________________________________________________

Tomorrow, I will NOT be voting for militant white christian nationalism. Period!

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Joe Biden is a pathological liar, everyone on earth over 70 years old lied at some point in time. When people lie you may never know it but with Joe he does it being filmed. Just a few examples starting with the present time, yesterday in Philadelphia I’m wearing my Eagle jacket, in the debate Trump says to Biden you said you want to ban fracking Biden‘s response I never said it. Primary debate Bernie Sanders says to Joe Biden you wanted to cut Social Security and veterans benefits multiple times over many years, Joe Bidens answer NO I never said that.

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Given this weekend's display of malicious Trump Truck parades running the Biden campaign off the road in Texas, blocking highways and bridges in New Jersey and driving by spraying pepper spray at people in Richmond, VA- it's clear where this is headed.

The Trump Trucks look an awful lot like ISIS trucks with all their flags and gun totting drivers.

I'm not voting for fascism lite or dangerous nationalism.

Voting the wannabe dictator out.

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I will be voting for FREED0M and LIBERTY. Without these, America is no more.

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Trump is the best choice for the economy. Even our Corona recovery FAR outpaces that of European nations. The news doesn't report that.

Trump is the best choice for world peace. More peace agreements have been hammered out under this president than any in my lifetime. First president in 40 years not to start a war. Trump is bringing our children home from the sandbox across the ocean.

Trump is the best choice for my family. Our taxes are much lower and gas is much cheaper. Interest rates are low. Jobs are readily available. The stock market (my 401k) is soaring.

Biden has no record of accomplishment after 35+ years in Congress and 8 as VP. He had his opportunity to lead. He did not. He could have already done the things he says he's about to do.

Yes Trump is mean. He's crude. He is an egomaniac. His accomplishments exceed any president in my lifetime. Imagine if the media accurately reported his successes. Focus on what he DOES not what he SAYS.

Trump deserves to win "bigly" as he says and I believe he will.

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(Please try to limit comments to one paragraph.)

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The passion not violence (no one ran them off the road comment). Shows the passion for freedom. We are still a place where we are free. I prefer it to remain that way. I am inspired by support for these freedoms and support of law and order and our police. Peace agreements. Support for our military and those who have served. Support for the people to continue to live the American dream. Support for free speech. So easy to choose. I pray whatever happens that everyone doesn't use this result as a reason to be violent and loot and hurt each other.

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Huntress: I voted at a drop box a month ago in NorCo. It is no exaggeration to say that this election is about whether our democratic institutions survive. If Trump gets 4 more years he will continue to unravel any trust that is left regarding a functioning government that protects our citizens on many levels. The chaos and division he has sown will become more dangerous. Look at what we've become in just 4 years. Who was in charge?? Do you think this happened by accident? We are where we are bc of Trump and his inability to lead responsibly. For the sake of the nation, he needs to go.

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Funny thing about President Trump. He is constantly being criticized for being bold and brash, saying and doing things a “President” shouldn’t be doing, etc. But, his so called flaws and unpredictability are exactly what scares the shit out of our foreign enemies and domestic corrupt politicians and government operatives.

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It was sad to see all the good Christians violating the flag code yesterday. Especially given the fact that during church hour, they abandon their God to fly trump flags.

Hey, wait a minute . . .

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Just in case Zrinski, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgrPzo2N60

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I find it interesting that Biden is getting all the Wall St money. My prediction is Biden will win but not in a blowout like the polls are saying. The problem with the Democrat party is the AOC crowd will immediately say they have a mandate to implement their anti american socialist agenda. They'll go too far and get smoked 2022.

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To me it's a choice between a guy who has done nothing in 50 years in Washington, or a loud mouth ego maniac who I really don't like. At the end of the day it comes down to policies, and I like more of Trumps than Bidens. Biden says it's about "saving democracy" yet it's his party that talks about packing the court, adding new states, and getting rid of the electoral college. No thanks! I'll hold my nose and vote for the ego maniac.

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In 2016, I was tired of "more of the same" from politicians and voted for Trump in the hopes of seeing things shaken up. That certainly happened, and the Dems spent the next four years doing nothing but attacking him. Do I like his personality? No, but I will again vote Trump in 2020, because of his accomplishments and I believe he is the best choice to keep our freedoms intact, keep us out of war and continue the policy of "American First."

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Everyone of you people should be ashamed of yourself, Trump is a businessman that knows how to make a deal, he took his inheritance of $1 million and ran with it and made a fortune good for him. I watch his rallies on right side broadcasting network, people love to go to his rallies, they support him, they have a good time, he makes them smile and laugh, he gave up the lap of luxury because he loves America. Do you want millions upon millions of illegal aliens flooding this country, Getting free healthcare, free college, while senior citizens have money taken out of their bank account every month to pay for Medicare and supplement plans and drug plans. Stopping drilling for oil and gas will make us buy oil from Russia while China burns coal, You will be paying $5 to $6 dollars for gasoline and heating oil. Then vote for creepy Joe Biden and laughing Kamala Harris."

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As a small business owner in the oil and gas industry, my choice is clear. We cannot afford a 33% increase in corporate taxes, nor suffer zealots who look to "phase out" our industry. In reality, oil and gas are not going away immediatly, but why fight a battle on two fronts (covid AOC and gang). 3rd world nations will still need it. The US will still need it. Energy independence is a real thing. In addition, I find no use for an career politician who has had 47 years (8 as the second most powerful person in the world) and has accomplished almost nothing. All while collecting his various pensions. Now he "finds Jesus" and wants to fix all the wrongs? The sleepy Joe name fits. I also hope the black and latino community sees through the Dems free free free method of garnering votes. One thing that really stood out for me as a parent, was "school choice". No matter what color you are. We all want our children to receive the best education possible. Only one candidate offered that.

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In the past four years, America has become energy independent. I'm in my late 30's and always assumed America would become increasingly dependent on foreign energy. With new technology, the energy industry can access natural gas and crude oil to fuel America for future generations. Over that time, I believe the free market will trend greener without government intervention. You can see this already with prevalence of electric vehicles, which, for the most part, are powered by electricity created at plants powered by natural gas. The energy industry creates hundreds of thousands of good jobs for American workers. Joe Biden is on record that he will stop this progress in favor of renewable energy alternatives, which he naively believes can be equivalently beneficial for energy independence and job creation. This is absolutely insane and will again make us beholden to foreign powers. It will also promote crony capitalism in the renewal energy industry, just like it did in the Obama administration. If you enjoy the benefits of energy independence, vote for President Trump. P.S. - This is written by a Northampton County Democrat that voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

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I’m not arrogant enough to think my opinion will sway another’s vote, so I will just say I’m going with the devil I know because the thought of President Kamala Harris scares me. I also can see the Democratic ticket fir what it is — fraud. Biden is the draw, the placeholder, who will resign and elevate Harris to the presidency. The deal was done and America will not necessarily be the better for it.

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Tim DeFoor is by far the superior candidate for State Auditor General! His experience as a Controller in Dauphin County and for the Office of Inspector General is what we need to keep an eye on the Wolf.

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At times in history, its difficult to do the right thing. By electing Trump again, we are faced with 4 more years of media hysteria, rioting and violence. But is that threat the reason to vote otherwise? Should we vote for bad policy and giving up American liberty and exceptionalism to prevent these groups from the riots? I think it is our duty to vote for America and damn those who threaten violence. I didn't vote for him in 2016 (third party), but right now its Trump 2020. 4 more years.

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Dennis P: Carbon County will vote for Trump

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Guy Williams: Just watched the Trump rally in Fayetteville NC and listened to his every word. Its no wonder he is down big time on the Fox news poll. Sorry republicans you had your chance and your chosen candidate blew it. Blew it by his own words. Should have done his thing and kept his mouth shut. Sad, very sad. End of story.

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I would never vote for someone who is a racist, an idiot, was impeached, is self-absorbed with money over everything else, calls our soldiers suckers and losers, ignores the fact bounties are placed on our soldiers' (the losers and suckers) heads, sees women only as sex objects, ignores a disease for which there is no cure or vaccine for 10 months after he himself is recorded saying it is far more deadly than the flu, and fails to institute a mask requirement even though he himself said 10 months ago that because it is transmitted through the air it is so dangerous. What is in YOUR wallet? God help us if this dangerous jackass is re-elected. Four years was four too many.

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Democrat-controlled cities all over this country are boarding up, it only makes sense, they know they're at the mercy of the mob.
And that mob is not composed of Trump voters.
Unfortunately people like Bernie constantly deny that antifa & blm are controlled by Democrats--they are! And they will be doing all the burning, looting, and murdering.
Trump supporters have jobs.

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I think Lehigh county may turn red this time! A combination of the black & hispanic votes, and west end jewish types. Respect is high for Trump and His unparalleled peace deals with Sudan, UAE, and Bahrain. As well as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

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Both parties are war parties. Trump has taken the US out of the endless war business. Voting for Biden or any of the usual war hawk Rs is a vote to send more 19-year olds to die. I don't care about your gun or your abortion or your 401(k). I care about ending endless wars and sending our kids to die. If you think anything is more important, you're sick and your kids should serve and die first, as soon as the shooting fires back up - which it will. I'm voting for Trump. I'm voting for peace.

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For the first time in my 40 years of voting I will actually be praying to God for an election result. Never in those 40 years have I ever seen such a clear choice of following an egomaniacal, compulsive lying, thug worshiping, flag humping draft dodging, dictator wanabe with no interest for anyone but himself and his corrupt family and a basically decent human being who actually cares about people and our country. For all the "one layer deep' people out there who do no research and just believe whatever they are told (and remember: "Don't believe what you see and hear") there truly is little hope. For anyone who is incredibly on the fence yet: Please spend 10 or 15 min. of research on subjects like: Did someone start out with a 1 million dollar loan from his Pop? -No, he was given 399 million from his father and the great business man blew it all ( and let's not forget that that same "great" businessman also blew the 400 million he made from his reality show and must pay back a loan of almost a billion dollars within the next 4 years. The Pandemic, who knew it could be so bad? Maybe the previous administration that set up a task force for just such an occasion then was knee-capped by the present administration by cutting the force by 80% and forcing out anyone with experience. Who knew the pandemic could be so bad? For those who are not hypnotized please listen to the tape where he almost boasts to an author about how horrible and deadly the pandemic is and within the same week admittedly downplays it to the citizenry costing hundreds of thousands of lives. The Wall? added 5 miles and Mexico didn't pay for it. His critics are hard core lefties? You mean like "Mad Dog" Mattis (also didn't give him nickname as claimed), his former attack dog lawyer (now jailed), The Lincoln Project, countless officials who have resigned from foreign affairs and the FBI? I have seen division in our country but never to the point where we might actually see another civil war. Lord save us from ourselves and do not let this fraud be elected again.

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As an independent for the last 30 years, I am discouraged, because once again it's a matter of voting against someone and not for someone. I'm considering voting straight democrat, despite being disgusted with the antics of many of them on both Northampton County Council and Lehigh County Commissioners board. I have had enough of the Republicans and their hate. I don't consider it a vote for socialism because even with the New World Order and the Green deal, only so much is going to change in that direction. Things are going to change regardless...

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Tara Zrinski is the one. She leads the Northampton Count Council.
She has made sure that money went to the needy. She believes in integrity, hope and honesty.

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If all the expected vote fraud, especially here in Pennsylvania, results in a Biden win there will never be another free and fair election in America. Something to think about.

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Reading the regurgitated fox news talking points makes me glad we don't live in a democracy where you idiots actually get to vote. . . shit!

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Biden’s time on the campaign trail has proven him to be at times incoherent, not being able to properly pronounce names and forgetting things happening at the current time. It’s sad to see him obviously suffering from the early signs of dementia and nothing more than a Trojan horse to get the far left into control of the White House. This would play right into the hands of their main puppeteer – George Soros. Meanwhile, Trump continues his mean-spirited and crusty personality into the campaign. But he’s also regulated immigration, stood tough against China and Iran, was pro-active against terrorists, made our European allies pay more towards their own defense, protected life and religious freedom, improved trade deals, brought about a booming economy and record low unemployment for minorities. If it wasn’t for the biased main-stream media this election would not even be close; the choice is that obvious.

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Naive. Everyone keeps saying they won't do it. Mark my words. They will. Don't vote because you don't think they'll do what they say they'll do.

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So true. The people believe the biased one sided news media. It would have been a no brainier if the media was fair and reported to facts only

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James Neara: The only one expecting voter fraud is the Orange Fraud himself.  Trump is the pictionary definition of a corrupt, abusive, wasted fraud. Biden's a pathological liar? That's rich!

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When historians and our grandchildren look back on this time in 50 years, the only issue that will resonate with any significance will be the human contribution to climate change and the environmental degredation that our heedless actions have wrought. Biden and the Democratic party are much more likely to take effective action on this front. There is no good reason that coal miners could not be re-trained to install solar panels or fix wind turbines. That is the future, but Mr. Trump sells a return to an idealized fantasy of the past, which is wishful thinking at best and cynical nihilism at worst.

And to all of you single-issue anti-abortion voters out there, I'd like you to imagine that Mr. Trump or one of his sons got some unfortunate girl pregnant. What do you think our president would do in the face of that moral challenge?

Trumpists Crash Nazareth Biden Rally

On Saturday, a group of Joe Biden supporters decided to rally for him in Nazareth Botough Park. This drew a response from a gun-totin' group calling themselves Nazareth Area Conservatives. There are conflicted accounts regarding exactly what happened. But Trumpist and school bus driver Trisha Miechur admitted, "I was there. We busted up the Biden parade!!!!" That's nice. Below is what a Trump supporter will look like on November 4. (No magpies or Trumpists were hurt in the filming of the above video.)

On Election Eve, Pa. is Really a Toss Up

On Election Eve, here's how things stand. Trump supporters are getting increasingly hostile, which tells me they're worried. They should be. According to US Elections Project, elections officials throughout the country have received 93.2 million ballots. This is 67.7% of the total turnout in 2016.

In Texas, turnout has actually exceeded the county in 2016. Several other states are close. But Pennsylvania's a wee bit more anemic, at 39.3% of the 2016 total. The Keystone State has received 2,404,354 of 3,097,741 requested ballots, broken down as follows: Democrats - 1,591,048 (66.2%); Republicans - 552,627 (23%); and Others - 260,679 (10.8%). 

2016 was a turnout election, and Republicans won it. Democratic turnout statewide was 69.4% but Republicans voted at an amazing 90%. Only 18.1% of independents bothered to vote. The overall turnout was 70.1%.

Turnout on Tuesday is likely to be even greater. But the only way Democrats win is if they turn out as much as the Republicans. Even if turnout is 85%, Biden will lose if Republicans come in at 90% again. 

Since Republicans turned out at 90% for Trump in his first run, and since they know he is under a heavy attack, I will assume that 90% of all registered Republicans will turn out again. That's 3,188,038 voters. I assume 90% will vote for Trump. That's 2,869,234 votes.

What about the independents? I believe they will show in the same weak fashion they did in 2016. That amounts to 163,986 votes. The Libertarian candidate was the heaviest draw in 2016, sucking up 67% of their votes. It that happens again, it means only 54,115 votes will be in play. There is conflicting evidence about the, In Iowa, they are breaking for Trump. In Florida, they are breaking for Biden. My assumption is they will break slightly for Biden because the Libertarian will be getting most of the votes that might otherwise go to Trump. Let's say 55%, or 29,763 votes. 

As for Democrats, they need to turn out. If there is a 90% GOP turnout again it will be very tough. , , so I will assume 85% voters, more than in 2016. That's 3,594,784 Dems. Let's say 85% vote for Biden. That's 3,055,567 votes. Not enough. He needs 87%. 

What about the independents? I believe they will show in the same weak fashion they did in 2016. That amounts to 163,986 votes. The Libertarian candidate was the heaviest draw in 2016, sucking up 67% of their votes. It that happens again, it means only 54,115 votes will be in play. There is conflicting evidence about the, In Iowa, they are breaking for Trump. In Florida, they are breaking for Biden. My assumption is they will break slightly for Biden because the Libertarian will be getting most of the votes that might otherwise go to Trump. Let's say 55%, or 29,763 votes. 

In the end, Biden will have the following votes if 86% of  Dems show: Democrats - 3,091,514; Republicans - 318,804; Independents - 29,763. That's 3,404,134 votes.

Trump will have the following votes: Democrats - 507,499; Republicans - 2,869,234; Independents - 24,352. That's 3,401.085. 

My tabulations are based purely on registration statistics and some percentage assumptions. I should note that there was a blue wave among Dems in Pa in 2017 and 2018. Trump has alienated women, seniors and minorities. He has caused division within his own party. 

Still, for Biden to win in this battleground state. Democrats need to show up. Philly Democrats especially. They need to vote for Biden. More Republicans need to vote against Trump. 

The Albino Banshee

I'm going to tell you a scary story. It happens to be true, which makes it even scarier. 

In the early 60's, when I was in the 8th grade at St. Theresa's Elementary School. The nuns there were very scary, but I'll save my stories about them for another day. This is the story of the Albino banshee, who visited me one dark night.  

During recesses at school, a group of us formed the Ghost Hunters' Club. We would periodically go to old abandoned houses that were supposed to be haunted. We never actually went inside any of them, but would always make plans to go into them later . . . at night. 

It was around this time that we began hearing stories about the Albino Banshee. She was a terrifying witch who lived somewhere in Allentown. She had long white hair, pink eyes, sharpened teeth and very long fingernails. Her piercing shrieks could be heard at night in Allentown. Her keen, all by itself, could cause a heart attack. Word on the playground was that she had already killed several people. All she had to do was touch you with her long, thin fingernails. Not everyone believed this story, but I did.  One of the nuns admitted to me that it was true. 

At this time, I was still living with my parents, brother, sisters, a German Shepherd named Duke and several cats. Our house was a 300 year-old, stone farmhouse in Hellertown. Its three foot thick walls kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter . . . except on the third floor attic. That's where my brother and I slept at night.  

One night, after we had all turned in, I awoke to hear the third floor attic door creak open. Footsteps slowly came up the steps, accompanied by the sounds of rattling chains. I immediately assumed it was the Albino Banshee! I tried to scream, but couldn't open my mouth. Or eyes. Once whatever I heard had reached the top of the steps, I could hear it walk towards my brother. I wanted to defend him, but was paralyzed by fear. My brother was a goner. This thing did not stop with him. In a matter of moments, its steps came for me. It was suddenly very cold. I was unable to budge. Then I felt it. A banshee's fingernail traced itself right across one of my cheeks. But for some reason, I didn't die. 

Then the steps walked off and into the other room on the third floor. While still sweating with fear, I could hear that door open again. This time even more footsteps came up the steps. Although still too terrified to open my eyes, I could tell that lights were on. Just as suddenly, the lights went off and the footsteps went back down the steps. 

The next morning, when I woke up, I was happy to see my brother was still alive. I am still ashamed at my own cowardice in failing to defend him. I told him what had happened. He told me I was nutz. Then we went downstairs for breakfast. 

After sitting there for awhile, I told my mom, dad and sisters what had happened. I expected them to tell me I was nutz, too. Instead, they looked at each other, and my mom told me they had heard someone going up the steps to the third floor themselves. They decided to investigate, which explains the second set of footsteps I heard that night. Whatever had come up the steps had just vanished. 

To this day, I have no idea what really happened. But sometimes, in the dead of night, I could hear footsteps in the adjoining room that was supposed to be empty. 

I've witnessed ghosts at the law library at the courthouse during the days when you could stay after hours. I'd hear a newspaper rustling and would go to the next room and there'd be nothing. I could hear books being pulled out of shelves, but when I would check, nothing would be there. The custodians who worked at night had the same experiences, especially in Courtroom 1. 

I never felt afraid by these ghosts. But the Albino Banshee still scares the shite out of me. 

Feel free to tell your own scary stories in the comments

 Happy Halloween.

Innocent Mistakes Are Not Voter Fraud

Outside every NorCo Drop Box is a sign that warns that third party return of ballots is prohibited unless the person doing so is rendering assistance to a disabled or emergency absentee voter. This prohibition is there to prevent ballot harvesting, in which party apparatchiks collect ballots from numerous people and drop them off together. I've heard stories that this happened in a Lehigh County primary, but there's no hard proof. Unfortunately, many voters are innocently breaking the law, leading to cries of FRAUD by party bosses like NorCo GOP Chair Gloria Lee Snover.

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to a friend who told me she voted by MIB and dropped off her ballot at the courthouse. When I asked her why she did not stop and say Hi, she told me she gave her ballot to her next door neighbor because he was taking his and his wife's ballot to the courthouse. When I told her that's illegal, she was stunned. 

Just a few days ago, I saw a post by a Facebook friend who was delighted to report that her husband had just taken his and her ballot to the courthouse to drop them off. When I told her that was illegal, I was met with stony silence. No Likes. I've probably been unfriended and blocked. 

Now NorCo Republicans are snapping pictures and raising a stink when some citizen is dropping off the ballot for himself and one or two family members.  

This situation is similar to what happens during in-person voting. One spouse will sometimes drag the other behind the curtain to help explain the ballot. Technically, you are supposed to have them both sign about  18,000 forms. But as things get busy, poll workers like myself sometimes forget. In fact, sometimes it happens so fast it takes me unaware. Is this fraud? Of course not. Should a vote be invalidated because some husband dragged his wife behind the curtain to do who knows what? Of course not.

It's an innocent mistake, no different than a husband whose wife's ballot is on his "Honeydo" list. He has no idea that he just committed a capital offense.  

Lee Snover is rolling around on the floor, foaming at the mouth. But as Joe Biden might say, "Come on, man!"

This is what I call "harmless error." What's really bugging people like Snover and GOP State House candidate Scott Hough (my brother has his sign in his front yard) is they both know they are losing.

Biden Will Win NorCo With 54%

According to figures supplied by Northampton County, 84,913 voters have requested MIBs (mail-in ballots). It is expected that 80% (the county is already at 74.3%) will be returned by election day. That amounts to 67,930 votes. It is also known that about 70%, or 47,551, of these MIBs are coming from Democrats. I believe these will be votes for Biden. About 24%, or 16,303 votes, are coming from others. I'll assume that half of those, or 8,000, are Biden votes. This means Biden probably has 55,551 votes going into election day. Is this enough for Biden to win the county that Trump won by 5,461 votes on election day in 2016? Yes. 

In 2016, there was a voter turnout of 70%, or 146,381.  If turnout is 70% on November 3, that means there will be 159,120 voters. The winner needs to garner a plurality of these votes. The winner needs about 78,000 votes. So Biden needs about 22,449 voters on election day. 

Northampton County has about 102,000 registered Democrats. We know 47,551 have sent in MIBs. We know about 10,000 of the registered Democrats are inactive, meaning that there are really only about 92,000 active registered Democrats. Of that 92,000, about 44,000 declined to send in MIBs. If 70% of these Democrats show up on election day and vote Biden to mirror the 2016 turnout, that translates to an additional 30,800 votes. If my assumptions are basically right, he will get about 86,351 votes.  

This gives him a big win. 

Have I just given him my famous Kiss of Death? We shall see. 

My assumptions:

1) MIB return rate of 80% (67,930)

2) Democrats account for 70% of MIBs and vote Biden (47,551)

3) Half of Other MIBs vote for Biden (8,000)

4) November 3 turnout of 70%, (159,120)

5) 70% of active Dems who failed to send in MIBs will vote in person for Biden. (30,800)

Biden's Total - 55,551 MIBs plus 30,800 in-person = 86,351 votes.

This is 54% of the total. 

Three Local State Rep Candidates Tagged For Failure to File Expense Reports

Three LV candidates for State Representative have been tagged by the Department of State for failure to file pre-election campaign finance reports. They are the following:

Pa Legislative District 131 - Kevin Branco

Pa Legislative District 133 - Mike Schlossberg

Pa. Legislative District 138 - Tara Zrinski

All three are Democrats, and Schlossberg is an incumbent. 

On  Tara Zrinski's Facebook page, she claims to have sent her report on October 22, and has attached the postmark. The pre-election reports were due October 23. Reports mailed the day before the due date are considered sufficient, but that's no satisfaction to those who want to see who is funding a campaign. The election is just days away. 

Ironically, Zrinski claims to be the anti-corruption candidate. If she were really interested in being transparent, that report would have been filed so people could actually see it.  

Zrinski Fails To File Pre-Election Finance Report

 

Tara Zrinski, who is running for State Representative, has been tagged by the Department of State for her failure to file her pre-election campaign finance report. This is a betrayal of the voters she wants to represent.  

Ironically, on her personal Facebook page, she claims her race is "barreling down the finish line to November 3rd with a clear message of anti-corruption." If she fails to let the people know who is funding her, as required by state law, she is herself corrupt. 

Grandpa Armstrong Asks You to Use Drop Off Boxes For MIBs

 

Lehigh County Exec Phil "Grandpa" Armstrong has three pieces of advice for you. 

First, if you have a mail-in ballot (MIB), it's a little too late now to rely on our overworked postal workers. He strongly recommends that you take your ballot to one of the drop off boxes (locations here). 

Second, if you want to help your local businesses, so so by wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing social distancing. Armstrong would hate to see these businesses shut down again just as they are finally getting back into the swing of things.

Third, if you see a first responder today, thank him or her.  

Early Voting Ends in Pa

 Early voting has now ended in Pennsylvania. Mail-in Ballots (MIBs), however, are still being returned. As of yesterday, here's how things stand.

Nationwide:  Over 71 million of 91 million ballots requested have been returned. This is 51.6% of the total number of votes cast in 2016.

Statewide: So far, 1,850,400 of 3,058,418 requested ballots have been returned. This is 30.2% of the total turnout in 2016. Democrats account for 68.9% of the votes. 

Northampton County: So far, 58,408 of 81,893 requested ballots have been returned. This is 40% of the total 2016 turnout. 

Lehigh County: So far, 41,294 of 87,641 requested ballots have been returned. This is 26% of the total 2016 turnout. 

Updated 3:15 PM: A statement just released by NorCo claims it has approved 84,913 applications, about 3,000 more than reported by Elections Project. 

If You Still Have a MIB, Return Ballot to Drop Box

If you have requested and received a mail-in ballot, but have yet to send it in, I'd suggest you use a drop box at this point. The USPS has just told a federal judge that the Constitution imposes no requirement that ballots be timely delivered, and it's right. So most elections experts recommend that you hand deliver you ballot or use the drop boxes made available. 

Northampton County Drop Box Locations:

1) Bethlehem City Hall's Plaza Entrance (10 E Church St, Bethlehem, pa. 18018) from 8 am until 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

2) Northampton County Government Center (669 Washington St, Easton, Pa. 18042) rotunda from 8:30 am until 8 pm, Monday thru Friday, and on Saturdays from 8 am until noon.

3) Northampton County's Human Services Building (2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, Pa. 18020) from 8:30 am until 7 pm, Monday through Friday.

4) Northampton County's 911 Center (100 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth Pa 18064), from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

These locations correspond with the four county districts. Free parking is available at all four locations. Each drop box is monitored by surveillance cameras and will be emptied daily by Deputy Sheriffs who will be sworn in and will also complete daily forms to preserve the chain of custody. The ballots are delivered to the Registrar, who will secure them in a locked vault until election day, when canvassing can begin.

Lehigh County Drop Box Locations (thanks to LVCI):

• District#1
o North Whitehall Township Building
o 3256 Levans Road, Coplay, PA 18037
o 610-799-3411
o M-F 7:30AM- 4PM

• District #2
o Upper Macungie Township Building
o 8330 Schantz Road, Breinigsville, PA 18031
o 610-395-4892
o M-F 7:30AM- 4PM

• District #3
o Catasauqua Municipal Building
o 90 Bridge Street, Catasauqua, PA 18032
o 610-264-0571
o M-F 8AM- 4PM

• District #4
o County Government Center
o 17 South 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101
o 610 782-3194
o 24/7 at the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office

• District #5
o Emmaus Borough Office
o 28 South 4th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049
o 610-965-9292
o M-F 8AM-3PM

Can I Change My Mail-in Ballot?

Our Disinformer-in-Chief, Donald Trump, tweeted this morning that most states allow a voter to change his vote once it has been cast. That may be true in some states, but not in Pa.

NorCo Voting registrar Amy Cozze was asked whether a voter can change his mail-in ballot once it is mailed. Her answer: "Absolutely not, once the ballot has been turned in to the BOE [Board of Elections] it cannot be altered in any way or spoiled.

If you have received a mail-in ballot and have decided to vote in person, you can do that. But you must bring your ballot and the envelopes to your polling location.

Today is Last Day to Apply For Mail-in Ballot

Today is the last day you can apply for a mail-in ballot (MIB). Your application must be received by elections officials no later than 5 PM. To be on the safe side, you can apply in person at the county elections office or fill out and send an application online with this link.  

If you fail to make the cutoff for a MIB or dislike that method, you can vote at your precinct on election day. 

As of yesterday, over 87 million voters have requested MIBs nationwide, and 64 million (including 21 million early voters) have been returned. This is already 46.4% of the 2016 turnout. 

In Pennsylvania, over 3 million ballots have been requested, with 1.7 million returned. Nearly 70% of the ballots returned are from Democrats.

In Lehigh County, 36,567 of 86,160 requested ballots have been returned. In NorCo, 54,784 of 81,306 requested ballots have been returned.

Lehigh has rejected none of these ballots. NorCo has rejected just two. Statewide, 311 ballots have been rejected. Presumably, these rejections are the result of a voter's failure to properly endorse a voter's declaration. Counties have been directed to reject all naked ballots (ballots that the voter places inside a secrecy envelope), but are unable to make that determination until the envelopes are opened on election day. 

Zrinski Unhinged!

Tara Zrinski is a NorCo Council member who would like a State Representative in a fairly conservative district. If she were able to come across as level headed and motivated by common sense, she might succeed. She's acting instead like a lunatic. I've seen numerous angry flashes from her time on Council, especially when reminded she needs to use her mike. But even I was unprepared for this unhinged display outside the Bethlehem Post Office in August.

Below is my translation of her rant as she paced back and forth armed with a bullhorn, a Zrinski T-Shirt, jean shorts and a mass of dangling keys.

"[Unintelligible] is saving our election. He's saving our election ... he's saving our democracy and that is what is at stake... Make no mistake. ... That is on the line ... We know Republicans and Donald Trump [crouches for some reason] want to sabotage this election. We know that they are scared ... And why do they know that we know they are scared?  [stamps her foot] ...  We are coming. We are going to take their seats. Nowwww. [crouches again].And November 3. So you need to vote by mail, and if you do vote by mail, use the post office, use it early,and if you can, walk it in. ... Do you hear me? [shouting and pointing]  ...  Walk it in. In Northampton County, we will have ... a drop box ... in the rotunda ... of the courthouse ... it will be made available and you will not have to be screened or temperature checked before you go through ... Amy Cozze [Voter Registrar] has assured me that we will have 100,000 voter by mail ballots printed up and ready to go at the end of September. ... So we are ready to go ... How about you? ... Make your plan now to vote and get out there and help our [unintelligible] ... There are postcards to run, postcards to mail, ballots to get into the hands of people [this would be illegal from her], we need calls made ... we need to w-w-w-[voice gets shaky]-in. ... Why? Because our democracy IS At Stake [pointing]. So what are we gonna' do? [fist in air and one foot stomps] Vote! What are we gonna' do? [fist in air and other foot stomps]"

I certainly agree our democracy is at stake. In fact, I'm so concerned that for the first time in decades, I voted STRAIGHT Democrat. I voted for Wild over Scheller because Scheller refused to distance herself from Trump. I voted for Shapiro, whom I consider an opportunistic phony, because he stands against Trump. I voted for Kate Brennan as State Rep against Joe Emriick, which was easy for me because I know she'd be much better. But I refuse to vote cRaZytown, and that is Zrinski.