The unthinkable must be considered

Federal officials have given some thought to legislation that would give federal agencies power to postpone elections in the event of terrorist attacks or a natural disaster.

At first glance, the idea of postponing a presidential election is inconceivable. Even in 1864, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln put his presidency on the line, and the election went forward.

Calling off elections is something done in other countries, not ours. Two-bit dictators and other power-hungry buffoons might resort to that, but not Americans.

At second glance, however, the idea is not so repulsive.

True, the size of the emergency would have to be catastrophic something out of a Tom Clancy novel, perhaps to postpone a vote, and it would mean a victory for the terrorists, but in these days of more sophisticated evil, it's a good idea to have a plan.

For example, what if an attack destroyed voter registration records or interfered with our ability to use voting machines? Or what if the major-party candidates were killed or so incapacitated they could not serve?

Or what if damage was so severe in so many places that millions of otherwise willing voters were prohibited from going to the poling places? Destruction wouldn't even have to be that widespread: Attacks could focus on a relatively few high-population areas, and that could affect an election's outcome.

In the Cold War, Uncle Sam had plans for running the government in case of a nuclear attack. It's time to retool some of those frightening contingencies.

Only Congress has the power to change the date of presidential elections. (States, counties, cities and other jurisdictions have the power to change their own voting dates.) Nothing has been done publicly, however.

Voting is a sacred right of Americans, even though far too many take it for granted. Securing that right, especially in the face of terror is a wise and patriotic thing to do. It is not diminishing democracy, but strengthening it by making it less vulnerable to terrorists or maybe even natural disaster.

Such a step by Congress might encourage states to think ahead as well.

It's not likely that reasonable contingency plans could be in place by Nov. 2, when American voters will choose between President George W. Bush, Democratic challenger John Kerry and a host of lesser-party candidates. Prayers for a safe election should be offered.

Delaying an election should be a last resort. But there should be a plan for a last resort.

It's not the American way to consider calling off an election. But it also should not be the American way to be caught flat-footed, either.

Things are different in the age of terrorism. Once upon a time, it would be unthinkable to consider postponing an election. Now, it would be irresponsible not to have a plan.

THE POINT:

As unthinkable as it is, Congress should create a contingency plan for postponing elections in case of a catastrophic event.