The Coronavirus Is Delaying Elections Worldwide

The coronavirus has affected daily life around the world, leaving no country untouched. In some places, the virus has created a profound political crisis, while elsewhere citizens have been heartened by their government’s even-handed and scientifically informed response. But until there’s a vaccine, many politicians are worried about forcing people out in large crowds for any reason, creating a challenge for those countries that need to hold elections. While voting by mail has worked well in some countries, others, such as Poland, are finding how difficult it is to secure a free and fair election when ballots are delivered in a socially distant manner.