How Much Do We Need to Worry About the Election Being Overturned?
Oct 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Jim Rutenberg, a seasoned reporter from The New York Times, Ian Millhiser, a Vox senior correspondent with a focus on the Supreme Court, and Jessica Marsden from Protect Democracy dive into the pressing issues surrounding election integrity. They discuss the unsettling rise of the election integrity movement post-2020, the risks of non-certification in battleground states, and the wavering confidence in democratic processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, legal reforms, and public trust in safeguarding elections against potential threats.
The rise of the election integrity movement has fostered distrust among election officials, threatening the certification process of local election results.
Despite recent legal updates aimed at securing elections, vulnerabilities remain that could be exploited for politically motivated disruptions in crucial states.
Deep dives
The Impact of Voter Fraud Narratives
The podcast discusses how the narrative surrounding voter fraud has influenced local election processes in the U.S. Over the past few years, movements asserting that voter fraud is widespread have gained traction, particularly among certain political factions. This has led to individuals aligned with these beliefs taking positions on local election boards, where they pressure certified officials to not certify election results. The conversation highlights the dangers of this trend, as it poses a threat to the integrity of local elections by potentially undermining established procedures.
Challenges in Local Election Certification
A significant point raised is the increasing reluctance of some local election boards to certify election results due to political pressures. Reports indicate that pro-Trump sentiments have manifested within these official boards, creating tension between election integrity and political beliefs. This reluctance can lead to a breakdown of essential election processes, as certification is necessary for the electoral system to function properly. Such actions not only jeopardize the current election cycle but could pave the way for future electoral challenges and disputes.
Comparative Security of Upcoming Elections
The podcast analyzes the security of upcoming elections compared to the chaotic environment of 2020. Experts argue that while the electoral landscape has become more streamlined since the previous presidential election, potential disruptions still exist. The pandemic-driven changes made in 2020, such as increased mail-in voting, are unlikely to be repeated on the same scale, which may mitigate chaotic elections. However, several battleground states remain vulnerable to certification challenges, as local political dynamics continue to evolve.
Potential for Legal Manipulation in Elections
There is concern about the legal mechanisms that could be exploited to challenge the outcomes of elections. The discussion reveals that although laws like the Electoral Count Act have been updated to clarify procedures, there are still loopholes that could be manipulated. Scenarios where local boards refuse to certify elections or where state courts intervene could create significant delays and disputes. This uncertainty raises alarms regarding the capacity of the electoral process to withstand politically motivated disruptions, especially in pivotal states.
Since Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the election in 2020, laws have been passed to protect our election results. But there has also been a concerted “election integrity” movement that has put election officials distrustful of the system in charge of local and county offices. And in California, only a third of congressional Republican incumbents have pledged to certify the results in November. We discuss how resilient our election system is, and whether we are now better protected from, or more vulnerable to, attacks on our democracy.
Guests:
Jim Rutenberg, reporter, The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine
Ian Millhiser, senior correspondent, Vox - His books include "Injustices: The Supreme Court's History of Comforting the Comfortable and Afflicting the Afflicted" and "The Agenda: How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping America."
Jessica Marsden, director of impact programs and counsel [leading teams focused on protecting free and fair elections], Protect Democracy
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode