Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, delves into the dubious return of pro-Trump electors as the 2024 election looms. He highlights how these individuals are tied to the controversial attempts to overturn the 2020 results and examines the potential legal pitfalls they face. Wang further explores the evolving legal landscape and the impact of disinformation on election integrity. The conversation raises pressing questions about what these electors might do if Trump loses again, making for a fascinating and timely discussion.
The return of 14 pro-Trump electors raises concerns about potential election disruptions and legal ramifications for the 2024 election process.
Recent legal changes necessitate broader consensus for contesting electoral votes, enhancing election integrity amid rising misinformation about fraud.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Returning Pro-Trump Electors
A group of 14 pro-Trump electors from the 2020 election is re-emerging, raising alarms about the potential implications for the upcoming election. These individuals, primarily affiliated with the Republican Party in swing states, were part of a scheme to contest election results after Trump’s loss. In Michigan and Nevada, some electors are facing felony charges related to submitting false certificates claiming Trump won their states, creating a cautionary atmosphere for this year's electoral process. Legal experts suggest that the ongoing legal troubles of these pro-Trump electors may influence how future electors approach their roles in the electoral college.
Changes in Electoral Vote Counting Laws
Recent changes in the laws governing the counting of electoral votes have made it more difficult for Trump's allies to successfully overturn election outcomes. The new legislation requires a larger consensus, specifically one-fifth of both the U.S. House and Senate, to object to a state's electoral votes, raising the threshold for challenging results. This shift is viewed as a significant step in protecting the integrity of elections, especially in an era where misinformation about election fraud is prevalent. Legal experts indicate that while the barriers are higher, the potential still exists for manipulation if false narratives gain traction.
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Return of Controversial Electors Ahead of 2024 Election
For this episode of Trump's Trials, NPR voting rights correspondent Hansi Lo Wang takes a look at what have been known as "fake electors" returning for the 2024 election.
Four years ago, these Republican electors gathered in seven mainly swing states where Trump lost the popular vote to sign certificates that became part of a scheme by the former president and his allies to try to overturn the election results.
This year's return of some of these Republicans as potential electors — confirmed in recent weeks through party filings to state election officials — raises questions about what they will do if Trump loses in their states again.