At the vatican, a historic selection. They were pioneers. We got used early on, to dealing in a mans world. There were forks in the road. Later, its 2020, so you know it will be a very scary halloween this year no kidding. Trick or treat this is the cbs overnight news. Good evening. Nine days to go until the election. And the coronavirus is once again spreading inside the trump administration. At least five aides to Vice President pence now testing positive. Cbs news battleground polls out today show a tight races in three Southern States with joe biden having the edge over the president had in florida. Biden is up four points in North Carolina and the contest is even in georgia. Tonight the president handed out candy to children of front line workers and Health Care Workers after campaigning in military and new hampshire. Paula reed starts us off. Reporter as the county topped 80,000 new cases in a day. The president told the people that the virus is fading out. We are rounding the turn, we have the vaccines, we have everything. We are rounding the turn. Even without the vaccines we are rounding the turn. Reporter but covid is still spreading among Top White House staffers. As Vice President mike pences chief of staff, mark short, is the latest official to test positive. Along with four other members of the Vice President s team. In a statement, the white house said, while Vice President pence is considered a close contact with mr. Short, the vp will maintain his schedule in accordance with the cdc guidelines for essential personnel. On face the nation, Margret Brennan pushed on pences refusal to quarantine i want think campaigning and voting are the most essential things he can be doing. Couldnt he do it virtually to be safer . I think he is taking all the precautions and my understanding is that he tested negative as has the second lady. Reporter white house chief of staff, mark meadows said the Vice President will wear a mask and socially distance on the campaign trail. But also suggested the administration is not looking to mitigate the risk of the virus. We are not going to control the pandemic. We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines, tlar put i cans. Vice president ial nominee Kamala Harris seized on the remarks as she landed in detroit. They are admitting defeat. Listen, he should be following the guidelines. We are doing it and i think we have modeled the right and Good Behavior and they should take our lead. Vice President Joe Biden defended his smaller, drivein campaign es. I dont like the idea of all the distance, but its necessary. I appreciate you being safe. What we dont want to do is become super spreaders. Thank you so much tonight the Vice President was back on the stump campaigning in North Carolina, when President Trump was asked if his running mate should be out campaigning after being exposed to the virus. President trump said, you will have to ask him. Jamie . Well, paula, with a week to go, who are the campaigns trying to appeal to at this point. Our cbs news poll shows that biden voters are more concerned about the coronavirus and the concerns are driving a lot of voters to support the former Vice President , but the polls show that trump voters, they are more focused on immigration and the committee. So in this last full week before election day. Both campaigns are going to be making their final appeal to voters, even though millions have cast their ballot. Paula, thank you. Those votes nearly 60 million now have been cast despite the pandemic and record infections. Ttd the u. S. Death toll passed 225,000. Here is cbss lilia luciano. Reporter america is showing up in record numbers to vote early. From long lines in louisiana. Im coming to vote, my life depends on. I have my mask and gloves on. So i feel safe. Reporter nationwide, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are setting records. On saturday, 83,718, cases. 31 states are in the red zone for new cases. Face the nation was told the next few weeks are critical. We are entering the steep slope of the curve, of the epidemic curve. Reporter north dakota and san diego rank second in new cases. Delta is taking safety guidelines seriously. Its added 500 people to the nofly list for refusing to mask up on flights. According to an internal memo from cbs news. The surge is not stopping this woman from casting her ballot. She was born before women even had the right to vote and has marked a president ial ballot nearly two dozen times. We think one little vote might not make a difference, but it makes a lot of difference. Like her, californians are casting their ballot, and people are being urged to wear a mask if you dont, you will be escorted to an outdoor area where you can still full nfill r civic duty and vote. Thank you. A historic announce. At the value can, pope francis appointed the first africanamerican cardinal. William gregory was among 13 new cardinals named sunday. He is currently the archbishop. The Sheriffs Office in a Los Angeles Suburb got a call about a cat up a tree. In california, you cant just say here kitty, kitty. He thought like a mountain tiger. And i saw the tail of it. So it not exactly a mountain tigerer. More like a mountain lion. She was asleep at first and wearing a collar and an ear tag, no attempt to coax it down. Get this, authorities left her hanging hoping shed head home by night fall. This cbs overnight news will be right back. S. This is the cbs overnight news. We turn to extreme weather and new wild fire fears in california. Powerful winds expected tonight can leave hundreds of thousands had in the state without power. As pg e shuts down lines to prevent them from sparking new fires. In colorado, snow fell today. Putting plows on roads and bringing possible relief to crews battling record wildfires there. Flames have scorched some 300 square miles, roaring through homes, ranches and Rocky Mountain national park. Our meteorologist and climate specialist, jeff is tracking all of that. Jeff, you are busy. Yeah, it can could be a very dangerous night across california, heres the reason, look at the pink area. Extremely critical fire danger. The last time it was issued in oregon in september, it ended up being a devastating time. The santa ana winds will begin to kick in. Can cold air is pushing across and it will races down the mountains and in to the valley of the San Francisco bay area. Wind gusts in the hills and the canyons, up to 85 mile an hour winds. Hurricane force winds are possible, thats the case across Southern California during the day tomorrow n a fire were to light, it could turn dangerous, very quickly. Good news, relief for firefighters in colorado, 12 feet in the mountains. Denver and boulder will see 6dwe612 inches of snow. Feels like zero on monday morning and 18 below in denver, in its own category on tuesday. 10 below in aspen. Winter has arrived two months early with a vengeance. Thank you. On this vote, the yeahs are 51, the nays are 48. The emotion is agreed to. Today the u. S. Senate met in a rare session voting to advance Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett toward final confirmation, despite democratic objections. A final vote is expected tomorrow. Barrett would be the fifth woman to serve on the high court. Compared to 109 men. But before any woman became a justice, others blazed the trail. Here is cbss jan crawford. Reporter for most of these women, they were the first. There were two of them in my law school class. We got used early on to dealing in a mans world. There were had forks in the road. Reporter the first female and africanamerican federal judge in new jersey. Rulings that come from the bench make a big difference. They determine lives. Reporter judge susan black, the first female federal court judge if in florida. That is one thing wonderful with about more women in the law and on the bench. All of a sudden, you will have women who are differnt from each other. So, you are not branded as a woman. Reporter and judge Stephanie Seymore the first in oklahoma. We have been discriminated against in various times in our life. So we bring a different prspective to the cases we deal with. Reporter in 1979, president carter appointed these women. And 20 others to the federal bench. Making a statement about the future of the judiciary. What was that statement . That women can do this job. And they the did the job and it made it possible for women to follow. And to pep get over the stereo types. Reporter what do you mean . There are some assumptions, at that time, about women being soft, being emotional. Reporter for judge seymore, her had path to court was blocked, literally, when pregnant practicing law. And the baliff threw his arm across the way after my male colleague went through and said only lawyers are allowed up here and i stood up straight and stuck my belly out and i said im one of those. And i pushed my way through. Reporter the way the women pushed through while juggling child raising was preparation. They knew the stakes were high. So etch you were a historic First Federal woman, judge, in the state, you were going between work to get the kids to orthodontist, and sports practices . Absolutely. Sitting in the bleachers, reading briefs. Absolutely. Reporter this trail blazer has a message for those of tomorrow. Think of what you want to do in this world. And go for it. What can make a difference and what can you be good at. Just as these women can did. Jan crawford, cbs news, washington. Great advice, girl power. Love it. Still ahead, the fight for a critical voting block africanamerican men. ringing hey kaleb, whats up . How you doing . Hey, im good, guess what, i just had my 13th surgery. Really . I just had my 17th surgery. Well, you beat me. Well, i am a little bit older than you. Yeah its true. How are you doing . Im doing good. Im encouraged by seeing how people are coming together to help each other during times like these. Kind of like how shriners hospitals for children is there for us. Imagine if i couldnt get my surgery. Who knows what would have happened. Same for me. I know my shriners hospitals family will continue to take care kids like us who need them most all because of caring people like you. Like me . No, the people watching us right now at home. Oh, those people. Hi people. Kaleb and i know not everyone can help right now, but for those of you who can, we hope youll this special number on your screen right now. Youll be making sure our amazing doctors and nurses can keep helping kids like us, who need them now and in the days to come. Your gift will make a huge difference for kids like us. Ooh, ooh, show them them the thank you gift. Okay, okay, hold on a second. With your gift of 19 a month well send you this adorable, love to the rescue blanket as a thank you and a reminder of the kids youre helping with your monthly support. So what are you waiting for . You can use your phone and call, or go to loveshriners. Org to give and join with thousands of other generous people who change lives with their gifts every day. I think thats about it buddy, good job. My pleasure captain. Please call now. If operators are busy with all the other caring people, please wait patiently, or you can go to loveshriners. Org to give right away. [alec] big or small, your gift helps us all. [both] thank you. giggling latonight, silence it with newd byzzzquil night pain. [both] thank you. Because pain should never get in the way of a restful nights sleep. New zzzquil night pain. Silence pain, sleep soundly. When you have nausea, upset stomach, diarrheaon, pepto bismol coats and soothes your stomach for fast relief and now, get the same fast relief in a delightful chew with new pepto bismol chews. Covid travel restrictions keep canada closed to most americans. Its the same for much of europe. At cbss elizabeth palmer, americans living outside the u. S. Are voting. Turns out americans dont even have to be earth bound to vote. U. S. Astronaut kate rubins who blasted off last week cast her absentee ballot from a makeshift voting booth from the International Space station. Its important to everyone to vote. If we can do it from space, i believe folks can do it from the ground too. That is what alex colton is doing from her home in london. Are you voting in a state where you think it could make a difference . I would certainly hope so. Im from georgia. I have always voted in georgia. And it is super important. I feel like every vote counts. The system of absentee voting has been running smoothly for decades. This year, demand is through the roof said suzanne who runs the u. S. Vote foundation. As so many different crisis hit the u. S. , overseas citizens became more and more aware of what was going on and wanted to participate. Have you got any idea how many more overseas ballots will be returned this year than in previous years. It will probably be about double. Will you shut up, man. Who is on your list, joe . In this most bitterly contested election in decades, american expats are feeling stress. The question is, do i trim the page or dont i trim the page . Janet fisher read and reread the instructions that she printed at home. If it was not 100 perfect i felt they would discount my vote. I felt passion about voting in this particular election. I didnt receive my ballot and i have spoken to two other americans as well that have been living here and they have not received theirs either. She did register online though, and was able to print one. But it has shaken her faith. Im not are really sure, so i feel smor skeptical than i have in the past. In the lobby of the u. S. Embassy in london, theres a special mailbox. Some americans rattled by changes to the u. S. Postal service and allegations of fraud choose to post their ballot heres. One was patricia wynn. How confident are you that your vote will be counted in the long run . I think its really worrying question these institutions. And that we are worried about things like whether our vote will count. Reporter these votes could be decisive in battleground states and that the spurring expat voters on. Expat voters on. Vicks vapopatch. Easy to wear with soothing vicks vapors for her, for you, for the whole family. Trusted soothing vapors, from vicks come on lets hide in the attic. No. In the basement. Why cant we just get in the running car . Are you crazy . Lets hide behind the chainsaws. Smart. Yeah. Ok. If youre in a horror movie, you make poor decisions. Its what you do. This was a good idea. Shhhh. Im being quiet. Youre breathing on me if you want to save fifteen percent or more on Car Insurance, you switch to geico. Its what you do. Lets go to the cemetery as a barber, nothings especially for guys who tend to get razor bumps with ordinary razors. But now theres gillette skinguard. It flattens the skin and lifts the blades for a shave thats close, but not too close for comfort. It makes our lipton leaves better. Which makes this smooth tea taste better. And time spent together. Even better. And drinking lipton every day. Can help support a healthy heart. New vizinc and elderberry mmies are fortified with and drinking lipton every day. To sustain a healthy immune system plus melatonin for restorative sleep because being run down, is not an option. Recharge your nights to take on your days with new vicks immunity zzzs. As the president ial campaign enters the final stretch, both parties are making a strong push for an often overlooked voting block. Africanamerican men. Our poll shows that black americans overwhelmingly support joe biden. 90 compared to 8 for President Trump. We spoke to three generations of men to see where they stand. Im 46, man, take it easy on me. Each week, demetrious short leads runners through nashville, but its the race for president that has them going the extra mile. Reporter have you all voted yet . Yes, i voted, normally my, with me being in the military im apolitical, pretty much independent. Reporter which is why retired marine rucker the did not support trump or Hillary Clinton four years ago. I pretty much voted for the libertarian. I could not see either of those two. Imagine if all those folks actually turned out to vote. Reporter this election the biden and trump campaigns are increasingly courting africanamerican men through ads. Now, its our turn. Our responsibility to take our power back. He wants everyone in america to have the opportunity toward success. Reporter and most recently in the last debate. Nobody has done more for the black community than donald trump. Criminal justice reform. Prison reform. Opportunity zones. We have to provide for economic opportunity, better education. Better health care. Reporter the candidates have unveiled specific plans appealing to the estimated 36 eligible africanamerican voters. Black males voted for trump three times more than africanamerican women. Reporter what do you believe has spoken to the africanamerican men. I dont feel that anybody took a stand to protect africanamericans, and promote africa americans. Theres power. And nothing will change if we all take a back seat. Reporter so they are putting their best foot forward. Nicole kimpt when had we return, costumes, candy and covid. Finally tonight, its that timefor ghost approximates and goblins and things that go bump in the night. But it is twen2020, so trick or treating is uniquely scary this year. Reporter in a town famous for witch trials and halloween celebrations the scariest thing the tourists. The mayor is telling sight seers to stay home. Its not the year to km to salem. And its not the year to come to visit. Reporter people are showing up anyway. Its been crazy. Its been as many crowds as usual. Reporter halloween will not be as much about trick or treating. Displays like this one can be enjoyed by people safely from a distance. Here you go. Thank you. Reporter how do you dispense treats from a distance . In this neighborhood, one family came up with a solution. Called the covid safe candy slide. The slide made from pvc pipe. Trick or treat while keeping socially distant, the mayo clinic urging americans to avoid high risk activities. Costume parties, haunted houses and especially trick or treating. Unfortunately having many people from different households mixing in, in close proximity is a high risk opportunity. Reporter instead, recommending alternative low risk celebrations. In case you are wondering the candy on the slide is disinfected first. Halloween is not cancelled, its just different. Everything thats been different had a purpose. But we can give them a little bit of normalcy. They deserve it. Michael george, cbs news, new york. And thats the cbs overnight news for this monday. For some of you the cbs news continues. Reporting from los angeles. Cbs news, original reporting. This is the cbs overnight news. Good evening, im jamie in los angeles, nine days to go until the election, and the coronavirus is once again spreading inside the trump administration. At least five aides to Vice President pence now testing positive. Cbs news battleground polls out the today show a tight race in three Southern States with joe biden having the edge over the president in florida. Biden is up four points in North Carolina, and the contest is even in georgia. Tonight, the president handed out candy to children of Front Line Health Workers and military families after campaigning in maine and new hampshire. Reporter even as the country topped 80,000 new cases a day. The president told supporters that the virus is fading out. We are rounding the turn. We have vaccines and everything. We are rounding the turn. Even without the vaccines we are rounding the turn. Reporter but covid is spreading among Top White House staffers as Vice President mike pences chief of staff, mark short, is the latest official to test positive. Along with four other members of the Vice President s team. In a statement the white house said while Vice President pence is considered a close contact with mr. Short, the vp will maintain his schedule in accordance with the cdc guidelines for essential personnel. On face the nation. Margaret brennan pressed robert obrien, who had the virus earlier this year on pences refusal to quarantine. I think campaigning and voting are about the most essential thing we can doing. Couldnt he do it virtually to be safer . I think he is taking all the precautions and my understanding is he tested negative as this is has the second lady. Reporter white house chief of staff, mark meadows said that the Vice President will wear a mask and socially distance on the campaign trail and that the administration is not looking to mitigate the virus. We are not going to control the virus. We are going to control getting vaccines and theraputics. Reporter Kamala Harris seized on the remarks as she landed in detroit sunday. They are admitting defeat. Listen, he should be following the guidelines. We are doing it, i think we have modeled the right and Good Behavior, and they should take our lead. Reporter on saturday, former Vice President joe biden defended his smaller, drivein campaign events. I dont like the idea of all the distance. But its necessary. I appreciate you being safe, what we dont want to do is become super spreaders. Tonight the Vice President was back on the stump campaigning in North Carolina. When President Trump was asked if his run are mate should be out campaigning after being exposed to the virus. President trump said you had have to ask him. Jamie. Well, paula, with a week to go, who are the camp ans trying to appeal to at this point . Jamie, our cbs news polls shows that biden voters are more concerned about coronavirus and those concerned were driving a lot of voters to support the former Vice President. But our polls show that trump voters, they are more focused on immigration and the economy. So, in this last full week before election day, both campaigns are going to be making their final appeal to voters even though millions have already cast their ballot. Paula, thank you. Those votes nearly 60 million now, have been cast despite the pandemic and record infections, today the u. S. Death toll passed 225,000. Heres cbss lilia luciano. Reporter america is showing up in full force to vote early and in person in all 50 states despite an alarming fall covid surge. From long lines in louisiana. Im coming out to vote my life depends on it. Reporter to california, where Patricia Williams cast her ballot. I have my mask on. I have my gloves, so i feel safe. Reporter nationwide, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are setting new records. On saturday, 83,718 new infections. Just shy of fridays pandemic record. 31 states are in the red zone for new cases. Former fda commissioner dr. Scott gottlieb told face the nation that that the next few weeks are critical. We are entering what will be the steep slope of the curve, of the epidemic curve. North dakota and south dakota rank first and second in per capita infections and the risk ary fall travel season is here. Delta is taking safety guidelines seriously. It added 500 people to the nofly list for refusing to mask up on flights according to an internal memo obtained by cbs news, the surge is not stopping 109yearold arlean hart andrews to cast her ballot. She was born before the women had a right to vote. We think one vote does not make a lot of difference, but it makes a lot of difference. Reporter people are casting their ballot in person. And while Public Health officials are urging people to wear a mask, if you dont, you will be escorted to an outdoor area where you can fulfill your civic duty and vote. Jamie . Thank you. We turn to extreme weather and new wild fire fears in california. Powerful winds expected tonight could leave hundreds of thousands in the state without power. As pg e shet shuts down lines prevent them from sparking fires. In colorado, snow fell today. Putting plows on roads and bringing possible relief to crews battling record wildfires there. Flames have scorched some 300 square miles, roaring through homes, ranches and Rocky Mountain national park. Cbs news meteorologist and climate specialist, jeff baridelli is tracking all of that. Jeff you are busy. It could be a dangerous night across california. Heres the reason. Look at the pink area. Critical fire danger. The last time this was issued in in oregon in september, it ended up buying a devastating situation. That is for tonight. During the day tomorrow, the worst of it is across Southern California around los angeles when the santa ana winds kick in. Heres what is going on. A strong cold front pushing across nevada, rushing down the valley in to the bay area, wind gusts in the hills and canyons, up to 85 mile had an hour winds. Hurricane force winds are possible. And thats the case in Southern California across the day tomorrow. If a fire were to light, it could turn dangerous quickly. Good news, relief for firefighters in c colorado, 12 feet in the mountains. Even denver and boulder will see around 612 inches of snow there. Look at the brutal wind chills. Feels like zero on monday morning. Feels like 18 below in denver. In its own category on tuesday morning. 10 below in aspen. Winter looks like it has arrived with a vengeance two months early. Thank you. A historic announce. At the vat can. Pope francis appointed the first africanamerican cardinal. He was among 13 new cardinals named sunday. He is currently the archbishop of washington. He has been a leader in addressing the catholic churches sexual abuse scandals. The cbs overnight news will be right back. [phone rings] hello, how can i sore throat pain . Try new Vicks Vapocool drops in honey lemon chill for a fastacting rush of relief like youve never tasted in. Honey lemon ahh woo Vicks Vapocool drops now in honey lemon chill tonight, try pure zzzs all night. Unlike other sleep aids, our extended release melatonin helps you sleep longer. And longer. Zzzquil pure zzzs all night. Fall asleep. Stay asleep. This is the cbs overnight news. Thanchlgs for staying with us. Te president ial eelection is now just a week and a day away. 10s of millions americans have already cast their votes either in person or at drop boxes or through the mail. We have reports from western europe and russia. Starting with seth doan, here in europe, they are watching the election closely. And while two names were at the top of the ticket. One seems to get the most attention. President trump. He is really taken the world by storm. In a good way or bad way . I would, well in an american way. Reporter the chummy europe u. S. Relationship has strained recently. The longtime allies parting ways over Climate Change and spatting over trade. With new u. S. Tariffs on products made from french made airplanes to italian parmesean cheese. Its okay. The united kingdoms former ambassador to the u. S. , knows both worlds well. People who, are used to a more traditional american find it extraordinary, disrupt i have and they dont like it. Derek made headlines in 2019. Aft after a confidential memo leaked. This type of direct assessment, he argues in his new book. Is typical. You praised trump. He had messages that really connected with people and his way of delivering the messages was extraordinarily effective. The difference now is that he has a record to run on. The judgment of the record and in turn america itself has been harsh in europe. Americases a super power. Its becoming less so. America doesnt have the same position that it had in terms on moral authority. Reporter the reputation for the u. S. Is in record low and little confidence in President Trumps handling of world affairs. Do you think the world is moving past america as the super power . I dont really. American leadership has been very important to europe. And i think to the world. And if its not there, you just worry that the world will be more insecure, more dangerous, more conflicted place. The u. S. Gets low marks here for the management of the coronavirus pandemic. Broader issues like health care, and the recent protests over racial inequality. And many parts of europe, this election is not only being seen as a referendum on President Trump, but on americas leadership role in the world. This is, elizabeth the moscow marathon brings out thousands of runners in one of the citys great fall rituals. Russians love a good race. So we ask some of them who they are picking in the u. S. President ial. Trump. Trump. Trump. I think truch. I think trump. The people have a preference, what about the people . In 2016, russia medaled in the u. S. Election on the side of President Trump. Remember the troll factory in st. Petersburg . It happened in that building behind me, which was the headquarters of the Internet Research agency. In fact, the nerve center of the sustained and covert operation to influence the american election. And the kremlin got what it thought it wanted. President s putin and trump went on to develop some personal chemistry. But it was not enough to warm repolice statir to warm relations, just the opposite. U. S. Got hammered from sanctions. And yet, u. S. Intelligence said that russia is trying to tip the scales in President Trumps favor again. Nicoli petrov is in the london think tank. The kremlin was disappointed how things were going on, under President Trump. But theres no doubts that they would like him to stay in the office. For one thing, russia believes republican administrations are less likely to criticize it for human rights abuses and silencingactivists. But, Vladimir Putin is nothing if not pragmatic, he signaled that he can work with either of them, and publically praised them both. One sign that the kremlin is prepared for abide enwin is this comedy sketch on russian state tv. It featured a digitally manipulated President Trump, unemployed and looking for work. Sometimes i will say, wow, thats going to be a great story. Ultimately, most russians want the same thing as their leaders. Better relations with america after november the 3rd. No matter who wins the race. The cbs overnight news will be right back. Did you know diarrhea is often caused by bad bacteria in food . Try pepto diarrhea. Pepto® diarrhea is proven effective to treat symptoms, and it also targets the cause of diarrhea. The 3 times concentrated liquid formula coats and kills bacteria to relieve diarrhea. While the leading competitor does nothing to kill the bacteria, pepto® diarrhea gets to the source, killing the bad bacteria. So, try pepto® diarrhea, and remember to have it on hand every time you travel. Also try pepto®bismol liquicaps for onthego relief. If you experience bladder leaks, you shouldnt have to sacrifice discretion for protection. Try always discreet. The unique design features protective leakguards, which help prevent leaks where they happen most and an absorbent material that turns liquid into gel, for up to 100 leak free protection. The shapewear design provides a close and seamless fit, to ensure total discretion. Choose the solution that keeps you drier. Try always discreet underwear, with a money back guarantee. Brand power. Helping you buy better. I cantwhat . Ve it. That our new house is haunted by casper the friendly ghost . Hey jill hey kurt movies . Ill get snacks no, i cant believe how easy it was to save hundreds of dollars on our Car Insurance with geico. I got snacks ohhh, i got popcorn, i got caramel corn, i got kettle corn. Am i chewing too loud . Believe it geico could save you fifteen percent or more on Car Insurance. Nooooo nooooo quick, the quicker picker upper bounty picks up messes quicker and is 2x more absorbent, so you can use less. Bounty, the quicker picker upper. Early voting is under way in nearly every state, and almost 60 million ballots have been cast. But with eight days to go until election day, theres intense political and legal battles raging over the ballots themselves. As ed okeefe reports, its a modern day skirmish, as old as the day itself. Americans are lining up to vote. Georgians are facing long lines and long waits. Earlier this month in georgia, some voters weighted a eight hours to cast their ballots in georgia, theres been record turn out. November third may be a National Election will, but its local election laws that govern how people vote, in each state, district and territory. Would it be easier if every american voted on the same kind of ballot. . It could be easier. Unfortunately, we have such different rules around the country that make having a common ballot very difficult. This year, its estimated that at least half of us will vote early or by mail. Millions i never was in to politics. Like this 79yearold woman from michigan, are exercising their right for the first time. I dont want to start crying. I felt very powerful. All of which means the design of the ballot, is actually a really big factor for many people. Yeah, that is absolutely true. He said the past offers countless cautionary tails. Like two years nag florida, where the ballots unusual design may have confused just enough voters to tip it away from his republican challenger, rick scott. Who can forget the 2,000 president ial election, when confusion over the butterfly ballot in palm beach california likely cost al gore the white house. Its complicated, its not attractive and its not organized but in a way, its farber than it used to be. Alisha change is offer of the book, of this is what democracy looked like. A visual history of the printed ballot released earlier this year. Looking back to a century and a half of american elections, she said voting used to be designed differently. The fact that it was colorful at all. She has been researching ballots as a hobby for years. In her book, she writes, their type, their design, and the paper they were printed on, have a story to tell. They speak to changing notions of what election wills are, whom they include and exclude, and the political possibilities they offer. From ballots printed using a simple letter press in 1817 to multicolored ballots listing the 1878 republican ticket. Its bonkers, first of all, how is that possibly a billion on the. Or how about this 14 foot scroll, for a new york city democratic the one that threw me was the socalled tape worm ballot. Yeah, its a doozie. They got 26 names in there and it was only after they tried it twice that the california Led Legislature was like, this is ridiculous. Many saw what was at stake as the voting evolved. Here was a ballot that was produced in reconstruction and the voter, you can clearly, he red lined through all of the options presented to him. F and there were ballots found by the california working mens property. Where had they were centered on projecting the balance on on thes from the chinese. They forced Straight Party line votes. Having a ballot now that has all of the candidates listed on one sheet of paper. That is a radical idea and its only starting to happen. Say, in the early 1900s. Where an australian format was adopted that had all the candidates listed by office. As before. Each party themselves printed the ballots. Which is nuts to think of now. And in the past, voting was considered a form of entertainment. Imagine a period where there was no amuse. Parks or movies and election and all the hulabauloo in that was the entertainment. So it was a massive spectacle. Barbecues and fireworks and cannon fire and everything that everyone was talking about. Food and fireworks were less common on election day. Instead, theres worry of voter access and how quickly ballots can be counted. If you plan to vote by mail this coming november, be sure to mail back two envelopes or else your ballot will be thrown in the trash. Thats a serious concern in a number of states, including the key battleground of pennsylvania. With the socalled naked ballot. A term that refers to a blank envelope that the ballot must be placed in before its returned. Which states on or areas of states that you guys are most concerned about in terms of being able to properly manage their elections . In particular, when we are talking about design challenges. Any state that is moving from where only a small number of people were voting by mail, to large percentages. That could be pennsylania, that could be georgia, that could be ohio. From poll levers to computer screens. The road is bumpy. As is illustrated here. Sfwh you are a designer, you think of it a lot. How do you design the perfect ballot . I think i would not only design the ballot, i would expand my scope and propose that we try to take a look at the whole system. Voter registration. Maybe the sign is better located so you dont make basically a county level official be the art director for how the ballots get made. You are saying if theres a vac answery at the board of election, you would do it . Its uper i got it all from you im always pushing through i know well make it to the finish line i know youre waiting on the other side im like you ondemand glucose monitoring. Because theyre always on. Another lifechanging technology from abbott. So you dont wait for life. You live it. As the race for the white house enters the home stretch, we have thoughts about the state of the campaign. 50 million americans have already voted. How did they make their decision. An informed elect theorate is needed for a healthy democracy. But they left no instructions. Should we choose resumes or debate performance. Should we think of who we want to have a beer with. You would think there should be a manual. The presidency was a clubhouse election. Only propertied white men made the score. And the Electoral College ensured a good pick. They offered moral certainty that the office of president would not fall to the lot of any man who is not endo ywed with requisition. The ninth president , William Henry harrison worried that people would pick the most popular candidate. Men of fair estimate characters would sell themselves this is to the public like auctioneers. Its difficult to use your reason when you are pieeyed. Political parties were in control for a long time and parties told voters how to pull the lever. Herbert hoover was nervous that his party over sold him. My friends have madehe american pple think me a sort of super man. If contions rise in the land in which the political machinery is unable to cope. I will be the one to suffer. He called that one. Since then, laws that blocked blacks and women from voting have been demolished the black room party bosses have been vanquished too, parties took over what the voters needed. They vote tea jersey and the rest, we have to evaluate the candidates and come up with a scheme for doing so. We are all in the clubhouse now. And this is our glorious burden. And thats the overnight news for this monday. For some of you the news continues, for others, check back later for cbs this morning and follow us online, any time. Reporting from los angeles. Its monday october 26, 2020. This is the cbs morning news. Eight days to go as President Trump and joe biden hit the home stretch, the virvus hits again. Coming out in record numbers. Still a surge of covid19 cases and one expert says we are at a dangerous tipping point. Dangerous encounters. Swimmers in an australian beach not knowing a shark is just feet away in the middle of a feeding frenzy. Good morning