VOICES: The Presidential election — it’s time to accept the results

One thing that many Trump supporters don’t seem to understand as the election draws to a close: claiming fraud is not the same as proving fraud. If they actually discovered election fraud, it would be most efficient to investigate and perform an official recount wherever necessary. However, there is no real or systemic evidence of election fraud to be investigated. Repeatedly alleging fraud just because you don’t want to accept the results doesn’t prove anything. 

Trump has been very active on Twitter expressing his claims of election fraud, proposed voting irregularities, and his imagined victory. Most of these tweets, however, have been flagged by the social platform with “this claim about election fraud is disputed,” or similar messages.  

Additionally, Trump has made many inconsistent statements throughout the election regarding mail-in votes and other details. For example, while campaigning, he urged his supporters to vote in person. But in the days immediately following the election, he expressed disappointment and surprise that the large majority of the mail-in ballots were for Biden, not him.  

Through these actions, Trump is trying to create a reality that matches his desires. He is also encouraging his followers to agree with his beliefs: he doesn’t think it’s over and he still believes there's a chance he'll be re-elected. However, this is just unrealistic. Dec. 8 is the last day for states to resolve any disputes or discrepancies and the formal vote of the electoral college is on Dec. 14. It seems that Joe Biden will officially be sworn into office on Jan. 20. 

With every presidential election in American history, the results have left a substantial segment of the population unhappy. However, what we are seeing now is a little extreme, and frankly a waste of time. 

Regardless of your political views, this is a historic moment for the U.S. Kamala Harris is the first female vice president and the first person of color to hold this office. This is an achievement that took too long. As the time until the official electoral college vote shrinks, it may be time to move on, accept the results, and focus on the future.

Julia Carden is a staff writer for The Spectator. She can be reached at edinboro.spectator@gmail.com.