Originally Posted on March 21, 2020

TO: All members of FOP Chicago Lodge #7

FROM: The 2020 Board of Directors Election Committee

RE: 2020 Presidential Runoff Election

As you are aware, the vote count for the Presidential Runoff Election was scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2020. On that date, the ballots were to be picked up from the U.S. Post Office and walk-in voting would be allowed from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. At that time, the votes were to have been counted and the victorious candidate for President identified.

However, as you are all aware, the current COVID-19 crisis has caused numerous disruptions in our lives. In addition to the various governmental bans on large public gatherings which have now been extended into April, the Election Committee has been made aware that because of the crisis, the vendor that organizes and tabulates the votes is unable to provide sufficient staff to organize, open and tabulate ballots on April 3.

In addition, the Election Committee has determined that by forcing the Presidential Runoff Election to take place on April 3, it would cause unnecessary risk and potential harm to numerous Police Officers and employees of the Lodge.

With that in mind, the Election Committee has determined thatthe walk-in voting and counting of ballots for the Presidential Runoff Election will not take place on April 3, 2020. The Presidential Runoff Election will proceed as follows:

1. The Presidential Runoff Election will be postponed until such time that the Election Committee has determined that we have sufficient resources and that it is safe to go ahead with the count and walk-in voting. All members will have sufficient notice of the new date of the Runoff Election.

2. The deadline for mail ballots to be submitted will remain April 2, 2020 end of business. All mail ballots that are received after that time will be deemed untimely and will not count. All valid mail ballots will be kept separately at the U.S. Post Office to ensure that there are no invalid mail ballots counted.

3. Any and all campaigning must cease by 9:00 a.m. on April 3, 2020; provided, however that candidates will be able to campaign outside of the Lodge property on the date and during the hours that the walk-in voting is held.

While the Election Committee realizes that this is an inconvenience to both the candidates and the members, the Committee has determined that this is the only way to ensure a safe and fair election due to this on-going National Emergency. Both candidates have been consulted with regard to this determination.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The 2020 Board of Directors Election Committee