Vote 2020 Newsletter: Coronavirus pandemic creates political uncertainty

(KSAT)

It’s hard to think of anything other than the coronavirus right now. And the uncertainty that surrounds the pandemic is seeping into all aspects of life. Politics and upcoming elections are no exception.

On Tuesday, four states were scheduled to hold primaries. Only three did. Ohio closed polls in the state over health concerns. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has postponed the special election for an Austin-area state Senate seat to July from April. It’s still unclear how all of this will impact Bexar County elections. But we’ll keep you posted.

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Be sure to keep up with all of the (endless) COVID-19 updates at ksat.com/coronavirus.

-Lexi

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STORY OF THE WEEK: Coronavirus uncertainty

In a little more than a month early voting is supposed to begin in the May 2 elections. But with news surrounding the novel coronavirus changing every single day, it’s unclear what is going to happen.

Statewide, some are already trying to adjust.

The Republican Party of Texas is planning on pushing back its convention. It’s currently scheduled to take place May 14-16 in Houston. Party leaders are now working to push the dates back to July 13-16. The move is set to be approved by the State Republican Executive Committee next month.

And the state’s Democratic Party is calling for all mail-in ballot elections for May 2 and May 26. In a letter sent to Texas’ Secretary of State, the party’s chair points to the fact that many election workers are older adults, who are considered particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently asking the public to avoid group gatherings of 10 or more people.

MUSINGS & THOUGHTS FROM MYRA & STEVE

Each week, KSAT anchors Myra Arthur and Steve Spriester will sound off on the election news/other random thoughts that are on their minds.

Myra's Musings (KSAT)

It’s hard to ‘muse’ about much else right now that the coronavirus has pervaded nearly every ounce of every headline. It even took the spotlight during part of this week’s debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. The candidates were asked whether climate change impacts the spread of infectious disease or what the candidates themselves are trying to do to ward off COVID-19. Who would have predicted just a few weeks ago how our lives would be overtaken by all this? I’m curious about how this unprecedented event will impact the presidential election. I believe what we’re seeing is that significant.

The coronavirus is having a personal impact on all of us, certainly. As for me, I haven’t been on the air in a few days because I’m taking extra precautions to stay healthy. I’m staying home since I’m due to welcome our new baby any day now. Once my maternity leave begins my ‘musings’ here will take a hiatus. But you can bet there will be plenty of news to keep this newsletter packed. And there’s ALWAYS my pal, Spree, and his thoughts!

Spree Thoughts (KSAT)

What a difference a couple of weeks can make, and I’m not just talking coronavirus and cancellations. Three impressive “Super Tuesdays” have put Joe Biden as the prohibitive favorite to win the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Biden has been greatly outspent by his rivals, including Senator Bernie Sanders, and stands to almost assuredly wrap up the nomination. The states of Florida, Arizona and Illinois lined up well for the former Vice President. The question is how long will Bernie Sanders stay in the race? Sanders campaign can go on, but his chances of winning are slim. I think Biden would be wise to not push him out, but let Sanders go on his own timetable, and try and persuade the Sanders supporters to join him in the fall, he’ll have the delegates and the nomination, he’ll be better off Biden his time... a face-off with President Donald Trump awaits.

FROM OUR FRIENDS

Texas schools could be closed through academic year due to coronavirus, education commissioner warns | The Texas Tribune

White House expresses support for immediate cash payments to Americans as part of coronavirus stimulus package | The Washington Post

Joe Biden said he would pick a woman as his running mate. Here’s who could be on that list. | CNN

11 charts that explain the coronavirus pandemic | VOX

ICYMI on the News at 9

(KSAT)

‘In a Killer’s Care’: The story behind one of Texas’ most notorious alleged serial killers Genene Jones

Need a true-crime doc to watch while social distancing?

Convicted baby killer Genene Jones has been an infamous part of San Antonio’s history for decades. The so-called “killer nurse” is suspected of causing the deaths of dozens of babies. But until this year, she had only been convicted in the death of one. Which begs the question: why?

KSAT News at 9 put together a deep-dive into the Jones case. You can watch right now at KSAT.com or on the KSAT TV app on your streaming device.

RESOURCES

Presidential delegate tracker

9 races headed for runoff in Bexar County


About the Authors:

Myra Arthur is passionate about San Antonio and sharing its stories. She graduated high school in the Alamo City and always wanted to anchor and report in her hometown. Myra anchors KSAT News at 6:00 p.m. and hosts and reports for the streaming show, KSAT Explains. She joined KSAT in 2012 after anchoring and reporting in Waco and Corpus Christi.

Kolten Parker is digital executive producer at KSAT. He is an amateur triathlete, enjoys playing and watching soccer, traveling and hanging out with his wife.