Exercising our right to vote as Americans is imperative to our systems of democracy. With the 2020 election as my first presidential election, and with issues of the environment and economics on the line, it was paramount that I voted early to ensure my vote was counted. With a good portion of Americans utilizing mail in ballots this year, we may not see our election results within 24 hours.

Every vote should count and deserves to be counted. However, due to COVID-19, it may take longer to get all votes counted. Absentee ballots take longer to count due to security measures and mailing delays. This means that we, as Americans, may have to wait longer than usual to learn the results of the 2020 presidential election. We are used to either going to bed or waking up to all votes having been counted and knowing the next president of the United States. Polling places may be understaffed and election officials are under significant pressure during these times, but they are persevering, as Minnesota is counting ballots that are postmarked on or before election day until Nov. 10th.

I ask that you, the American people, remain patient with me, as this election will look very different. Just because we may not have the results of the race right away, does not invalidate the election or its process. Minnesota has one of the safest and the most secure election systems in the country and is well-known for leading the nation in voter turn-out. Let us lead the country as we remain patient for the results of this election, and trust in our security measures as each vote is counted.

This guest column has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

This guest column was submitted by Lucy Keefe, an environmental studies and gender studies major at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.