Slate has an Explainer on the possibility of a delay. The power to change election dates lies with the states, not with the president. “Although states may reschedule a canceled or suspended election at their discretion (or according to their individual election laws), they must choose their presidential electors by the “safe harbor” deadline, which is six days before the Electoral College votes,” L.V. Anderson writes. That deadline is Dec. 17.
Don Palmer, secretary of the Virginia State Board of Elections, said there is no provision in state code for the election to be delayed. That’s why his office and that of Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell are focusing on arranging with power companies to restore power first to polling locations. They are also making sure voting equipment is battery-operated and that batteries are charged. And they are setting up contingency polling places in the event that polling locations are unusable for reasons going beyond power issues, such as flooding.
“Obviously the general election is next Tuesday, and the election is going to have to take place,” Palmer said. “There’s nothing in the code to allow for moving Election Day.”
Full Article: Could the election be delayed by Hurricane Sandy?.