Irish Examiner view: Ardern shows the real value of  solidarity

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is the polar opposite of US President Donald Trump. Picture: AP 

Around 20m people have already voted in what has been recognised as the most important election in recent American history. It is unnervingly significant for the rest of the world too, especially if the incumbent defies the polls, as he did in 2016, and is re-elected.

Several states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida have already passed 20% of their 2016 vote, indicating that a deliberately polarised population is determined to be heard. That determination is hardly supported as it should be as there are far too many reports of voters having to queue for hours — up to 10 at some polling stations — to vote.