The NPR Politics Podcast How The Sale Of A Voting Machine Company Could Affect 2026 Midterm Elections
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Oct 20, 2025 A recent sale turned Dominion Voting Systems into Liberty Vote, raising eyebrows about its impact on the upcoming midterm elections. The hosts explore the conspiracy theories surrounding Dominion from 2020 and how a new owner with a Republican background might influence public perception. While some fear rising mistrust among liberal voters, experts urge that transparency and audits are vital for election integrity. The podcast delves into whether conspiracy theories might resurface in 2026 and the reasons behind rebranding efforts.
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Conspiracy Fallout Proved Costly
- Dominion was the focal point of wide-ranging, unproven conspiracy theories after 2020 that led to major defamation settlements.
- Those legal outcomes underscore real consequences from spreading election falsehoods.
Two Messages: Stirring Rhetoric Vs. Reassurance
- The buyer, Scott Leindecker, rebranded Dominion as Liberty Vote with language aimed at skeptics of elections.
- Company messages to clerks, however, stressed continuity: "same team, same support, new name."
Use Audits To Rebuild Trust
- Maintain and publicize post-election audits that compare paper ballots to machine tallies to preserve trust.
- Emphasize existing legal and procedural safeguards so voters know multiple checks protect results.