Local Officials Expect Peaceful Election in Pasadena

Although some expressed personal concerns, city officials told Pasadena Now they expect no acts of violence on Tuesday, Election Day.

“I find so much about the election incredibly disheartening,” said City Manager Steve Mermell. “Never before in my life can I recall a time when voters had to worry about their ability to vote and have that vote counted. I’m hopeful that after the election these issues will be addressed so that they are not repeated in future elections.

“In terms of safety and security,” Mermell continued, “I believe Pasadena will be peaceful next week. However, we must always prepare for potential events. Accordingly, for some time now the Pasadena Police Department has been in contact with federal and regional law enforcement. Should issues arise locally, we have a plan and will be ready.”

Pasadena Police Chief John Perez said he was hopeful the elections would be uneventful and that everyone would have a positive voting experience.

Unfortunately, however, some voters may be expecting things to get tense.

According to one poll, nearly nine out of 10 California voters were worried others would not accept the outcome of Tuesday’s election, and 44 percent believed violence was “very likely” if there are disputes about the election. Another 44 percent thought it was “somewhat likely,” and just 12 percent said it was not likely at all.

President Donald Trump has been attempting to sow doubt in the nation’s elections by attacking mail-in voting and claiming that the only way he can lose is if the election is rigged.

With just six days to go before the election, nearly 78 million people have already voted.

“We do understand the national concerns regarding protests and/or demonstrations and we are preparing, as appropriate, for anything that may occur,” said Perez.

“National Guard soldiers around the nation will take part in cybersecurity assisting state officials by trying to prevent foreign governments and others from interfering with the vote,” said the chief.

“I’m not concerned about it here locally in the city of Pasadena,” said City Councilmember John Kennedy, who chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee. “I think our residents are law-abiding, and if they protest, they historically protest peacefully. I don’t see why there would be any reason for any type of violence of any kind.”

Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns regarding the election. In response to fears of voter suppression, NAACP Pasadena has partnered with the League of Women Voters — Pasadena Area, and Women in Leadership Vital Voices to address the issue.

The organizations are looking for individuals who are interested in being coordinators or driving people to local voting centers.

“During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we all continue to use our voices to shape our communities. Many of our ancestors fought for the right to vote and were brutally attacked and/or killed for trying to exercise their voting right. In an attempt to combat voter suppression or the lack of access to transportation it is important that we come together as a community” said Allen Edson, president of NAACP Pasadena.

But Republicans have long pushed multiple conspiracies that many fear could be a powder keg if the election is contested.

For four years, the Trump administration has pushed conspiracy theories about a deep state cabal, which includes members of the news media, Democratic nominee Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

The theory was in part birthed by Qanon, a far right-wing conspiracy group with some members who believe John Kennedy Jr. faked his own death and was going to replace Vice Mike Pence on the ticket.

“What makes the United States democracy different from any other democracy is we accept vote results, and we transfer governance without bloodshed,” said Councilmember Victor Gordo, who is facing off against Mayor Terry Tornek in the election.

“That is the essence of our democracy — without violence. I believe that the residents of Pasadena and beyond will respect the results of every election,” said Gordo.

“Some people may be disappointed. Some people may be upset at the outcome. But, ultimately, we have to respect the will of the voters, whatever it may be,” Gordo said. “That is the essence of democracy.”